General
People often call peripheral artery disease (PAD) a “silent” disease because they don’t know they have it until it gets bad. When arteries get narrower, they don’t let as much blood flow to the legs. This can cause pain, sores, and even amputation if not treated. Experts say that finding it early is very important.
Many Americans have PAD, but people often think that the symptoms are just a part of getting older. Men often say they have pain when they walk, but women may only feel vague pain in their legs, which makes it harder to diagnose and often takes longer.
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General What makes you more likely to get PAD?
Researchers think that 21 million Americans have peripheral artery disease, which happens when fat, cholesterol, and other things build up in the walls of arteries. After age 50, the risk factors go up a lot. These include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Genetics also play a role, and Black and Hispanic communities are more likely to be affected.
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Jennifer Jones-McMeans, divisional vice president of global clinical affairs at Abbott, said,
“Many people with PAD don’t have noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages,” as quoted in a report by The New York Post. “Others may mistake symptoms like leg fatigue or discomfort for normal signs of aging,” Jennifer Jones explains.
General How do the symptoms differ between men and women?
The most common symptom is pain when walking, which men report most often. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have tired, achy legs or even pain when they are resting. Because women are often diagnosed later, PAD signs may be hidden by conditions like arthritis or nerve damage, as per a report by The New York Post.
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“This includes smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of vascular disease,” Jones-McMeans said. “Black and Hispanic communities are also disproportionately affected.”
Some other signs are feeling numb, tingly, weak, or cold in the lower legs and feet. The skin may change color, shine, or lose hair. Sores may have centers that are a different color, and in some cases, the skin may feel cool or look pale, as per a report by The New York Post.
Jones-McMeans said, “In some cases, the skin around the wound can look shiny, pale or feel cool to the touch.” “These wounds are a sign that blood isn’t flowing properly to the area, which can slow or prevent healing.”
General What tests can help find PAD?
There are a number of noninvasive ways that doctors can confirm PAD. Jones-McMeans said, “One common test is the ankle-brachial index, which compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the pressure in your arm.” “Other diagnostic tests include ultrasound imaging, which looks at blood flow in the arteries, or angiography, which gives a detailed view of blood vessels.”
Angiography shows blood vessels in great detail, while ultrasound imaging can also measure blood flow, as per a report by The New York Post.
General What is the treatment for PAD?
If PAD is not treated, it can lead to critical limb ischemia, which is when tissue starts to die because it isn’t getting enough blood flow.
“In the most serious cases, it can result in critical limb ischemia, where tissue dies due to lack of blood flow,” Jones-McMeans said. “This can lead to amputation.”
This can lead to infections, amputations, and a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke, as per a report by The New York Post.
The goal of treatment is to restore circulation and control risk factors. Making changes to your lifestyle, like quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and staying active, is very important.
“Medications may be prescribed to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure or improve circulation,” Jones-McMeans said. “In more advanced cases, procedures like angioplasty (to open narrowed arteries) or bypass surgery may be needed.”
General FAQs
What is a common early sign of PAD?
A major sign is pain or discomfort in the legs when walking.
Who is most likely to get PAD?
People who smoke, have diabetes, are older, or have high blood pressure or cholesterol are at greater risk.