7 Things You Need to Know About Peripheral Artery Disease — Eat This Not That
according to Centers for Disease Control and PreventionIn the United States, approximately 6.5 million people 40 years of age and older have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to various areas of the body. If left untreated, PAD can lead to stroke, changes in skin color and “total loss of circulation in the legs and feet leading to gangrene and loss of a limb,” American Heart Association states. Knowing the signs can be a life saver and eat this, not that! Health spoke to experts who share seven things to know about the disease. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t forget to check out these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID,
Eric StahleyNon-invasive cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital tells us, “PAD often goes undiagnosed because symptoms can be vague. It is important to follow up regularly with a physician for evaluation. Diagnosis is usually ankle- Brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure measurements in the lower legs to the arms. If abnormal, more tests may be needed to further characterize the degree of contraction.”
Dr. Ian Del Conde-PosickCardiologists and Vascular Medicine Specialists at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute Says, “Peripheral artery disease is very common around the world, especially in people of age and in those with a history of diabetes or who smoke. Leading a healthy lifestyle, such as: American Heart Association Simple 7, A good way to help prevent pads.”
Del Conde Pozzi explains, “PAD is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the legs. Those blockages are made up of cholesterol deposits, which lead to heart attacks. Hence prevention of PAD is the prevention of heart attack. Same for prevention.”
Dr. Todd WillinsWorld renowned clinical cardiologist and chief medical officer Obvious Says, “We know that the primary cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Cardiovascular Alliance“This occurs when arterial inflammation, a buildup of cholesterol, calcium and scar tissue, causes plaque to form that clogs arteries and slows blood flow to the legs. More plaque that causes blood to flow from the heart.” builds up on the inner walls of the blood vessels that carry it. In the legs and arms, the arteries lose more flexibility and become narrower, putting patients at greater risk.”
Dr. Stahl says, “The prevalence of PAD increases with age. Other risk factors that contribute to PAD include cigarette smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Smokers have more PAD than non-smokers. three times more likely to develop it. People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop PAD as those without diabetes.”
Shares Dr. Stahl, “PAD usually affects the lower extremities. Patients with PAD usually experience fatigue, pain, cramps, or discomfort in the legs, especially when walking or exercising.”
According to Del Conde Pozzi, “More advanced PAD usually manifests with leg symptoms. Most patients with significant PAD have leg symptoms, such as fatigue or pain in the leg when walking. Leg pain, eg, less common If you experience foot symptoms while walking, you should be checked for PAD.”
Del Conde Pozzi shared, “Significant PAD can often be ruled out with a careful, yet simple, physical examination. If you have strong pulses in your ankles, it is unlikely that you have significant PAD. that you know to make sure your doctor checks your pulses.”
Del Conde Pozzi says, “Treatment for PAD has evolved significantly over the past 2 decades. In addition to drugs that prevent the progression of PAD, patients can now be treated with minimally invasive catheter-based techniques that yield excellent results. Huh.”
Dr. Stahl says, “Smoking cessation and effective diabetes management are of paramount importance to the prevention and treatment of PAD. Additionally, a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, and regular physical activity slow the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of PAD. Finally, if lifestyle modifications are insufficient, targeted drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure in combination with anti-platelet agents are available.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has over two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather is currently freelancing for several publications. Read more about Heather
