Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Management
Peripheral artery disease, commonly referred to as PAD, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and fats (plaque) in the arteries in a person’s arms and legs. This accumulation leads to blockages in blood flow, making it harder for the body to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the affected limbs. In severe cases, these deficiencies can lead to the death of the deprived tissues, resulting in amputation of the feet or toes.
While this is a long-term lifestyle disease, there are various ways we can prevent the development of PAD and manage it once it occurs to avoid worst case scenarios. Here’s a quick look at the condition, exploring its causative factors, symptoms, and what we can do to avoid and manage it effectively.
Risk Factors for PAD
Peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease, comes about mainly as a consequence of a person’s lifestyle. The most significant risk factor for PAD is smoking. Smokers and former smokers have a 400% risk increase for developing the condition, and their symptoms will manifest themselves much earlier than in non-smokers.
Other significant risk factors for the condition are harder to control or avoid. These include:
- Being overweight
- Having kidney diseases
- Being diabetic
- Being 50 years or older
- Having a personal family history of the condition
- Having high cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia)
- Being African American
Risk Factors for PAD
Peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease, comes about mainly as a consequence of a person’s lifestyle. The most significant risk factor for PAD is smoking. Smokers and former smokers have a 400% risk increase for developing the condition, and their symptoms will manifest themselves much earlier than in non-smokers.
Other significant risk factors for the condition are harder to control or avoid. These include:
- Being overweight
- Having kidney diseases
- Being diabetic
- Being 50 years or older
- Having a personal family history of the condition
- Having high cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia)
- Being African American
How to Avoid and Manage Peripheral Artery Disease
Generally speaking, the steps we can take to manage lifestyle diseases such as PAD double up as the measures we can take to avoid it in the first place. Carrying out these measures will help stop the advancement of the condition. Here’s what you can do:
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products of any kind
- Eat healthy by including low cholesterol, low, fat, low sodium, and high fiber foods in your diet
- Include regular exercise in your routine
- Ensure our stress levels are managed at low levels (yoga, meditation, exercise, and so on are good ways to do this)
- Take better care of your skin and feet to prevent infection and lower the risks of complications
Ensure you take appropriate medication to manage any other health conditions you might be experiencing. Conditions that might increase the severity of your PAD include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and others that impact your vascular systems.
Final Thoughts
People with coronary artery disease share many risk factors with PAD patients, and many patients experience both conditions simultaneously. Peripheral artery disease will put you at greater risk of suffering heart attacks, strokes, and amputation of the limbs.
It’s important to note that detecting this condition early will give you the best chance of arresting its development by making changes in your lifestyle and taking medication, potentially saving your life. To give yourself the best chance of detecting and combating this condition, contact Washington Vascular today.
