Summary about Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. This usually affects the legs, and can cause pain, numbness, and in severe cases, can lead to infection, tissue damage, and amputation. PAD is often a sign of more widespread atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries and reduce blood flow to the head and heart as well.
Symptoms
Many people with PAD have mild or no symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:
Claudication: Painful cramping in your hip, thigh or calf muscles after activity (such as walking or climbing stairs) that goes away after a few minutes of rest.
Leg numbness or weakness
Coldness in your lower leg or foot, compared with the other side
Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
A change in the color of your legs
Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
Slower growth of your toenails
Shiny skin on your legs
No pulse or a weak pulse in your feet or legs
Erectile dysfunction, especially in men who have diabetes
Causes
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) builds up in the walls of the arteries. This plaque causes the arteries to narrow, limiting blood flow. Other less common causes of PAD include:
Blood vessel inflammation
Injury to your limbs
Radiation exposure
Medicine Used
Antiplatelet medications: Such as aspirin or clopidogrel, to prevent blood clots.
Cholesterol-lowering medications: Statins to reduce cholesterol levels and stabilize plaque in the arteries.
Blood pressure medications: To manage high blood pressure, a risk factor for PAD.
Medications to improve blood flow: Cilostazol, which improves blood flow to the limbs and reduces leg pain.
Pain relievers: To manage pain associated with PAD.
Is Communicable
No, Peripheral Artery Disease is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for PAD.
Manage underlying health conditions: Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Exercise regularly: Supervised exercise programs can improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can help prevent atherosclerosis.
Proper foot care: Inspect your feet daily for sores, cuts, or changes in skin color.
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take breaks to move around and improve circulation.
Wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes: To avoid restricting blood flow.
How long does an outbreak last?
PAD is a chronic condition, not an "outbreak." Symptoms can be managed and progression slowed with treatment and lifestyle changes, but it does not resolve like an acute infection. The duration of symptoms depends on the severity of the disease and how effectively it is managed. Without treatment, PAD tends to worsen over time.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: Checking pulses in the legs and feet.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm. A low ABI indicates PAD.
Doppler ultrasound: Measures blood flow in the arteries.
Angiography: Uses X-rays or MRI to visualize the arteries and identify blockages. May involve injecting dye into the arteries.
Blood tests: To check cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and other risk factors.
Timeline of Symptoms
Early Stages: Many people are asymptomatic. Some may experience mild claudication (leg pain during exercise that resolves with rest).
Intermediate Stages: Claudication becomes more frequent and occurs with less exertion. Rest pain may develop, especially at night.
Advanced Stages: Severe rest pain, non-healing sores or ulcers on the feet or legs, gangrene, and potential for amputation. The timeline can vary greatly depending on individual factors, such as the severity of atherosclerosis, other health conditions, and adherence to treatment.
Important Considerations
PAD significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Lifestyle changes are essential for managing PAD.
Patients with PAD should be monitored regularly by a healthcare professional.
PAD can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for PAD and its complications.
Amputation is a last resort and can often be avoided with proper management.