PVD, PAD, or peripheral vascular disease Acute obliterative artery disease; artery blockage in the legs; adjudication sporadic claudication leg vascular occlusive disease; the legs’ arterial insufficiency; persistent cramps and agony in the legs; Exercise-related calf pain
Blood vessel disease of the legs and feet is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). It happens as a result of the legs’ arteries constricting. Reduced blood flow from this can harm other tissues, including nerves.
The common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This issue arises when plaque, or fatty material, accumulates on the artery walls, narrowing the arteries. Additionally, the artery walls stiffen and lose their ability to dilate, or broaden, to permit increased blood flow when necessary.
As a result, when your leg muscles are working harder (as during exercise or walking), they are unable to receive adequate blood and oxygen. Even when the muscles are at rest, there might not be enough blood or oxygen if PAD gets severe.
PAD is a prevalent condition. Men over 50 are typically affected, while women might also have it. A person’s risk increases if they have previously experienced:
Pain, achiness, exhaustion, burning, or discomfort in the thighs, calves, or foot are the primary signs and symptoms of PAD. The majority of the time, these symptoms start while exercise or walking and go away after a few minutes of relaxation.
When severe PAD sets in, you could experience:
During a checkup, the medical professional could discover:
Findings in cases of more severe PAD could include:
Diabetes or excessive cholesterol may be detected by blood tests.
Among the PAD tests are:
Among the things you can do to manage PAD are:
Medications such as the following may be required to manage the disorder:
Take your medications as directed by your doctor if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Surgery can be necessary if the illness is severe and impairs your capacity to work or perform other essential tasks, if you experience pain while at rest, or if you have ulcers or sores on your leg that won’t go away. Choices include:
It can be necessary for some PAD patients to have their limb amputated.
The majority of leg PAD cases are manageable without surgery. Surgery is still a useful option for severe cases of pain relief, although angioplasty and stenting techniques are increasingly being employed in its stead.
Possible complications include:
Speak with your supplier if you have:
It is not advised to use a screening test to diagnose PAD in individuals who do not exhibit symptoms.
You CAN alter a few of the risks associated with artery disease, including: