Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over the age of 50. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, especially the legs, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing a range of symptoms that can interfere with daily life and increase the risk of serious complications. Understanding PAD, recognizing its signs, and seeking early treatment are crucial steps in managing this condition and preventing its progression.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

The most common symptom of PAD is claudication, which is pain or discomfort in the legs during physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs. This pain usually goes away with rest but returns when activity resumes. Other symptoms of PAD may include:

• Leg numbness or weakness
• Coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Sores or ulcers on the feet or legs that heal slowly
• Shiny skin or a bluish tint on the legs
• Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet

In more severe cases, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, where blood flow to the legs is so restricted that it can cause tissue death, possibly resulting in amputation if not treated promptly.

Risk Factors for PAD

PAD is closely related to atherosclerosis, the process of plaque buildup in the arteries. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing PAD, including:

• Smoking: The leading risk factor for PAD, as it accelerates the hardening of arteries.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, making diabetics more prone to PAD.
• High blood pressure and cholesterol: These conditions contribute to plaque formation and arterial narrowing.
• Age: PAD is more common in people over the age of 50, although younger individuals with risk factors can also develop the disease.
• Obesity and lack of physical activity also increase the risk.

Diagnosis and Treatment of PAD

If PAD is suspected, healthcare providers may use tests such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm, or imaging techniques like ultrasound or angiography to detect blockages in the arteries.

Treatment for PAD focuses on improving blood flow and managing risk factors to prevent further progression. The most common approaches include:

• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity are essential first steps.
• Medications: Drugs may be prescribed to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, as well as blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Supervised exercise programs: Regular exercise, especially walking, can help reduce symptoms of claudication and improve overall vascular health.
• Surgical options: In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty (where a balloon is used to open a narrowed artery) or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore proper blood flow to the legs.

The Importance of Early Detection of Peripheral Artery Disease

Early diagnosis and management of PAD are critical for reducing the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, or limb amputation. Many people with PAD are unaware they have the condition because the symptoms can be mild or mistaken for other issues, such as aging or arthritis. Regular checkups, especially for individuals with risk factors, are key to detecting PAD early and preventing its progression.

Peripheral artery disease is a serious condition that can significantly impact quality of life and lead to severe complications if left untreated. However, with proper lifestyle changes, medical management, and, if necessary, surgical intervention, individuals with PAD can lead healthier, more active lives. If you experience any symptoms of PAD or have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure, consult with a healthcare provider for evaluation and management. Early detection and treatment are the best defenses against the progression of PAD. The expert cardiologists and staff at Lane Cardiovascular Center and Cardiovascular Institute of the South are here to help with your circulatory health.