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Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
 PVD
is a disease of the blood vessels that affects 15 % of the
population worldwide. In PAD, the arteries that carry blood
to the arms or legs become narrowed or clogged, slowing or
stopping the flow of blood. The disease most often affects
the legs and sometimes occurs in the arms. Many people do
not give much importance to the symptoms -- such as pain or
numbness in the legs or arms -- because they mistakenly believe
it is a normal part of aging. Ignoring the symptoms leads
to gangrene of the limbs and eventually loss of limb.
What causes PAD?
It is usually caused
by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis
is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue
build up inside the artery. This over a period of time blocks
the artery, there by depriving the limbs of blood supply.
A blood clot from the
heart can be pumped into the limbs where the supply to the
limb could stop instantly. This causes severe pain and discolouration
of the limb. This is an emergency situation, meriting prompt
action to save the limb.
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Symptoms of PAD
The most common symptom of PAD is leg pain, particularly
when walking certain distance or exercising, which goes away after
a few minutes of rest. (Intermittent claudication)
Other symptoms:
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Numbness and tingling in the lower
legs and feet |
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Coldness in the lower legs and feet
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Ulcers or sores on the legs and feet
that don't heal |
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop PAD, but it occurs most often
in people who are over 50 years. Men are more likely to be affected
than women. Factors that contribute to the disease include smoking,
high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history
of heart or vascular disease, and being overweight.
Preventing or Controlling
PAD
Sometimes PAD can be controlled or prevented
by lifestyle changes, such as exercising and dieting to lose weight,
control of Diabetes and lower blood cholesterol. The single most
important thing you can do to slow PAD is to stop smoking.
Treating PAD
The best treatment for PAD depends on a number
of factors, including your overall health, the location of the affected
artery, and the size and nature of the blockage or narrowing in
the artery. If the blockage has been sudden then prompt treatment
within 6 hours is merited to avoid loss of limb.
For arteries that have been blocked chronically the treatment options
vary depending on the site and the length of blockage. For short
segment blockage angioplasty and stenting is a good treatment option.
For long segment blockage a bypass surgery is the best option.
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