Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, usually affecting the legs. It occurs when atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits or plaques) narrows the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow, which can cause pain and other symptoms.
Risk Factors
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Smoking: One of the most significant risk factors for PAD.
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Diabetes: Increases the risk due to its impact on blood vessels.
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High blood pressure: Can damage arteries over time.
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High cholesterol: Contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.
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Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50.
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Family history: Genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases.
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Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of developing PAD.
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Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to poor circulation.
Causes Symptoms Diagnosis
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Atherosclerosis: The primary cause of PAD, where fatty deposits build up on the walls of the arteries, reducing blood flow.
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Blood vessel inflammation: May cause narrowing of the arteries.
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Injury to limbs: Can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow.
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Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy can damage blood vessels.
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Rare conditions: Including blood vessel abnormalities or muscle and ligament problems.
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Intermittent claudication: Pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs or buttocks during physical activity, which improves with rest.
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Leg numbness or weakness.
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Coldness in the lower leg or foot.
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Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that do not heal well.
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Change in colour of the legs (pale or bluish skin).
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Decreased pulse or weak pulse in the legs and feet.
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Erectile dysfunction in men, particularly when associated with atherosclerosis.
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Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A simple test that compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to detect any reduction in blood flow.
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Doppler Ultrasound: Measures the blood flow in the blood vessels and can identify blocked or narrowed arteries.
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Angiography: Uses imaging techniques (CT, MRI, or X-ray) to visualize blood flow in the arteries and detect blockages.
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Blood tests: To check for underlying conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol levels, and other risk factors.
Treatment-Complications
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Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing weight.
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Medications:
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Antiplatelet agents: Such as aspirin or clopidogrel to reduce the risk of blood clots.
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Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Such as statins to manage cholesterol levels.
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Medications for blood pressure and diabetes management.
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Cilostazol or pentoxifylline: To improve walking distance and reduce symptoms of claudication.
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Procedures and Surgeries:
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Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed arteries and place a stent to keep them open.
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Bypass surgery: Creates a detour around the blocked artery using a graft.
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Atherectomy: Removes plaque build-up from the artery.
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Supervised exercise programs: Shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving walking distance.
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Critical limb ischemia: A severe condition where blood flow to the extremities is severely reduced, leading to pain, sores, or infections.
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Heart attack and stroke: Due to atherosclerosis affecting not only the peripheral arteries but also those supplying the heart and brain.
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Amputation: In severe cases where blood flow is severely restricted, and tissue death occurs.
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Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent serious complications. Regular check-ups and monitoring are important, especially for those with risk factors for PAD.