What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterized by a blockage of blood vessels. PAD manifests itself first in the legs, where blood vessels transport blood from the heart to the legs. This occurs as a result of artery blockage or plaque buildup. This is also known as atherosclerosis. PAD can occur in any blood vessel, but it is most common in the legs.

This condition can only be treated by the  Cardiologist, also known as a heart doctor. There are several stages of tests that must be completed before concluding that the patient's heart is affected by PAD.

The patient's symptoms, signs, and entire health history are thoroughly examined, along with a thorough examination of the test report.

It is also important to note that when a patient has PAD, the pulse in the affected area appears weak or even absent.

Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease?

Heart disease is mostly found among those who:

1. Smoke
2. Consume excessive alcohol
3. Obesity
4. High blood pressure
5. Diabetes
6. High cholesterol

At times, the family history of heart disease also causes Peripheral artery disease. Additionally, when there are high levels of reactive protein C and increasing age factor can also be the cause of PAD.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Aisease?

What are the symptoms of Peripheral artery disease? One of the most important and critical symptoms is a pain in the legs while walking.

However, it was discovered in some patients that there is no existing pain in the legs.

However, symptoms such as cramping while walking can occur in the buttocks, hips, and thighs, and the patient may also experience pain and aches.

Physical signs may also include muscle weakness, hair loss, skin that is too cold to touch, a decreased pulse in the feet, ulcers or sores in the legs, or unhealed feet. PAD patients also experience cold and numb toes.

If these symptoms are getting too worse then you need to visit the Best Heart Hospital in Kukatpally or you may consult the top Cardiologist near you

Diagnosis Peripheral Artery Disease?

You now understand that PAD is a heart artery disease that requires diagnosis when symptoms appear and persist in the patient. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRA or Magnetic Resonance Angiography, CT or computed tomographic angiography, and blood pressure tests are all required to be performed on the patient.

A heart attack can be fatal, and it must be treated on a regular and consistent basis. The tests used to determine and identify the causes are extremely important and should only be performed by certified medical doctors who practice as Cardiologists.

Diabetes, as well as high triglycerides. The Ankle-brachial Index (ABI) compares blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm. These are performed during treadmill walks or after exercising to check the arteries while exercising.

Ultrasound on the legs or feet - This test uses sound waves to determine how blood flows through the blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound is used to identify blocked or narrowed arteries.

Angiography is a test that uses x-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans to identify artery blockages. A dry is released into the blood vessel prior to the imaging stage to help the arteries clearly show more images.

Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease?

An interventional cardiologist can treat peripheral artery disease with various procedures such as angioplasty, which involves inserting a catheter into a leg or arm artery and directing it to the blocked peripheral artery. This balloon angioplasty aids in the opening of the artery. To open the blockage, other procedures such as a stent are used.

The treatment of peripheral artery disease has two important goals: first, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and second, to improve quality of life by eliminating the pain that occurs during walking and exercise.

Medicines are the primary source of treatment for conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hypertension. In turn, these medications aid in the treatment of PAD, stroke, and other conditions.

In some cases, it is possible to reverse peripheral artery disease before it worsens. Controlling cholesterol and blood pressure under the supervision of a cardiologist is part of this process, which aids in the prevention of future PAD occurrences.

Cardiologist doctors also advise changing one's lifestyle to avoid future cardiac problems and to improve one's quality of life.

Tobacco use must be avoided at all costs.
It is advised to eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber and low in cholesterol.
Regular exercise, such as walking, is also important for maintaining proper blood circulation. Book Doctor Appointment Online with top Cardiologists using Skedoc

Conclusion

It is quite essential that when symptoms are early and much before the advancement of symptoms, it is good to take care of the signs such as leg pain, high blood pressure, and other conditions and consult the cardiologist before the disease becomes serious. It becomes easy to reverse the PAD than from an advanced stage.  Taking good care of the health of your heart is definitely safe.