Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)., develops when your arteries become clogged with plaque-fatty deposits that limit blood flow to your legs. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD., a condition that raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. Plaque buildup in the legs doesn’t always cause symptoms; so many people can have PAD without knowing it.
Experiencing PAD Symptoms
People who do experience symptoms, such as pain or cramping in the legs, often do not report them, believing it is a natural part of aging. But besides leg pain and cramping there are many other things people suffering with PAD need to be aware of. PAD can cause decreased blood flow to leg muscles, feet and toes: blood not only heals but also provides oxygen and nutrients to the skin, cells and muscles. Patients with PAD should always avoid to walk barefoot and examine their feet for any sores or redness as slow healing wounds can lead to ulcers and increase the risk of gangerine (skin/tissue) death. If the blood supply to a limb is blocked it can lead to limb amputation. According to Cardio Smart PAD Increases the risk of heart attack as patients suffering with this condition have a much higher risk of having blockage in other arteries throughout the body that can lead to heart attack.
PAD slowly affect your ability to be active. With a limited blood flow, muscles can’t perform at their best leading to symptoms of claudication or heaviness or intense cramping in the legs while walking which gradually goes away when the person is at rest. But at a more advanced stage of PAD, rest pain can occur when your legs are elevated at night due to extremely poor blood flow. If you start having rest pain it will occur most nights and can severely affect your activity levels.
Connect with USA Vascular Centers
At USA Vascular Centers we have the most advance, minimally invasive and non-surgical treatments for PAD. All our procedures are performed at our vascular centers and the patients can go home after a short recovery.
If you are suffering from leg cramps while walking, heaviness in the legs, non-healing wounds, a lower temperature in one leg compared to the other call (888) 628 9389 before PAD takes over control of your body and mobility.
