Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition where arteries in the arms, legs, or other extremities become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow to the limbs, often affecting the legs. If untreated, it can lead to ulcers, tissue death, or even amputation.

 

What Are the Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease?

 

• Older age (commonly over 50 years)
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• History of heart disease or stroke

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?

 

• Calf pain while walking, relieved with rest; severe cases may cause pain at rest
• Cold hands and feet
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Chronic foot or leg wounds
• Pale or dark purple skin
• Hair loss, slow nail growth, shiny skin on legs
• Muscle atrophy
• Erectile dysfunction in men

How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed?

 

Initial Evaluation

• Medical history and physical examination to assess for arterial narrowing
• Blood tests to check blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels

 

Additional Diagnostic Tests

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) to compare blood pressure in ankles and arms
• Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in arteries
• CT angiography and MR angiography to visualize blood flow
• Angiogram (contrast dye imaging) to detect blockages

 

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease

 

Lifestyle Modifications

• Quit smoking
• Manage chronic conditions
• Exercise regularly

 

Medications

• Antiplatelet drugs like Aspirin or Clopidogrel to prevent clots
• Vasodilators such as Cilostazol
• Lipid-lowering drugs to slow plaque buildup
• Blood sugar and blood pressure control medications

 

Angioplasty and Surgery

• Balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement to open arteries
• Bypass surgery using grafts or other blood vessels to reroute blood flow
• Thrombolytic therapy to dissolve clots and restore circulation
• Amputation in severe, untreatable cases

How to Prevent Peripheral Artery Disease

• Control risk factors like dia