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Things You Need to Know About Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Posted in Blog.

901 Vascular

1. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic disease in the legs or lower extremities resulting in the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. The blockage or narrowing is caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. PAD can happen in any blood vessel but is usually found in the legs rather than the arms.  

  

2. There are several risk factors that can put you at risk of developing PAD, including:  

  • High Cholesterol  
  • High Blood Pressure  
  • Smoking  
  • Coronary Disease  
  • Diabetes  
  • Age above 60 years  

  

3. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million individuals over 40 have PAD. If you have multiple risk factors of PAD, be aware of the possible symptoms which include:  

  • Pain in the legs when walking  
  • Leg/Foot wounds that will not heal 
  • Leg Weakness 
  • Hair loss on the chin/calf  
  • Lower extremity discoloration 
  • Cold feet 
  • Lower extremity numbness 
  • Stiffness in legs  

4. Four out of ten adults will actually feel no pain in their legs with PAD. If you are worried you could have Peripheral arterial disease, consult your doctor or vascular care provider so they can help you determine your risk. 

5. Prevention and proper medical management of your risk factors play a key role in slowing the progression of plaque build-up in your arteries. Your doctor will consult with you to determine if you need to be on medicine for high cholesterol or antiplatelet medications that manage PAD complications associated with atherosclerosis.   

 The number one guideline for preventing PAD is to stop smoking! Smoking increases the risk of getting PAD and then makes the symptoms worse. It would be best to be vigilant about controlling your cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes as well. Lastly, make sure you are getting plenty of physical activity.  

  

PAD Treatment Near Me  

The physicians at 901 Vascular are in the business of saving lives and preventing amputations due to peripheral arterial disease. Our center offers non-invasive Ankle Brachial Index screening and ultrasound to help identify and diagnosis PAD. If you are worried you could have PAD, contact us today for a consultation and screening. You can schedule an appointment at (901) 519-4690 or from the link at 901-Vascular.com. 

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