Peripheral
Arterial DiseaseWhat
is Peripheral Arterial Disease and how is it caused?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when atherosclerosis,
or hardening of the arteries, causes a buildup of plaque in
the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to all the
tissues of the body. As these plaques worsen, they reduce
essential blood flow to the limbs and can even cause complete
blockage of the arteries. PAD commonly occurs in the legs,
particularly the upper (femoral) region, as well as the arms.
How
serious is PAD?
Early on, PAD may only cause difficulty walking, but in its
most severe forms it can cause painful foot ulcers, infections
and even gangrene, which could require amputation. People
with PAD are also three times more likely to die of heart
attacks or strokes than those without PAD. |
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What
are the symptoms of PAD?
- Claudication,
or pain in the muscles of the legs during walking or other
exercise
- Pain
in the ball of the foot or toes
- Nighttime
foot pains that improve when hanging one’s foot over
the bed
- Ulcers
or sores on the foot, ankle or toes that will not heal
- Blue
or black discoloration of the toes
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What can
be done to reduce the risk of serious complications associated with
PAD?
- Follow a
healthier diet and a regular, vigorous exercise program.
- Do not smoke
or use tobacco products.
- Keep your
blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
- If you’re
diabetic, get good medical treatment and regular exams.
How is PAD diagnosed?
In most cases, a physical exam by your doctor can detect PAD. But
it’s not always easy to tell how severe it is, particularly
if you have diabetes. PAD can be accurately measured by simple,
non-invasive tests using a Doppler flowmeter or ultrasound scan.
This type of vascular testing can be performed in minutes without
any risk or discomfort.
Note: For Patient Education handouts on PAD click here!
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