Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs. Its a common sign of atherosclerosis.
Symptoms
- Leg pain while walking (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in legs
- Coldness in lower leg or foot
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that wont heal
- Shiny skin on legs
- Weak pulse in legs or feet
Causes
- Atherosclerosis
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Treatments
- Lifestyle modifications (exercise, quit smoking)
- Cholesterol and blood pressure medications
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Bypass surgery
Prevention
- Dont smoke
- Exercise regularly
- Control diabetes and blood pressure
- Eat a healthy diet
- Manage cholesterol levels