Do You Suffer From Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Along with COVID, another physical disease has recently taken the spotlight in the U.S. Now, local news reports are putting the health focus on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
While not a new disease, the recent rise in statistics shows an increasing number of U.S. citizens now suffering from PAD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6.5 million individuals aged 40 and above in the U.S. suffer from this disease, with numbers steadily increasing.
The American Heart Association also compounds the national concern stating, “PAD affects over 8.5 million Americans and over 200 million people nationwide.” Across the globe, as a recent study reveals, “200 million people have PAD worldwide.”
What is PAD?
As the CDC puts it, “Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.”
Further studies on PAD state, “PAD affects the lower extremities more commonly than the upper extremity vessels, and may lead to recurrent fatigue, cramping sensation, or pain that is known as claudication intermittens (intermittent claudication), which is the most recognized symptomatic subset of lower extremity PAD.”
New reports state, “PAD occurs when plaque develops in the arteries of the extremities and restricts blood flow to the legs, and sometimes the arms. The condition is more common in older people and affects up to 10% of those in their 60s and 70s.”
Lancet states, “Peripheral artery disease is characterized by debilitating atherosclerotic occlusion of arteries in the lower extremities and is a major cardiovascular disease. PAD is linked to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, representing a considerable public health concern. PAD is the third most common clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis after coronary artery disease and stroke.”
Early Signs and Risk Factors of PAD?
While affecting those over the age of 40, PAD still affects younger individuals. With this, those feeling pain or cramping in their legs during physical exercise and activity may be experiencing early signs of this disease.
With the U.S. population now smoking more, suffering more from higher levels of stress and cholesterol, and performing more risk factors, PAD is becoming more common than previous statistics have reported.
CDC points out the risk factors and causes of PAD which include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes and high blood sugar levels
- High cholesterol
- Age above 60 years
- Lack of oxygen and nutrients in the muscles
- Genetics
When it comes to PAD symptoms, general consensus points to pain and cramping in the legs, with symptoms improving shortly after resting. Other symptoms can include pain, cramps, and aches in the hip, thigh, or calf muscle. Adding to this is hair loss, smooth or shiny skin, a decreased or non-existent pulse in the feet, ulcers on the legs or feet, and cold or numb toes and feet. Lastly, the heaviness of the feet and legs is also a common symptom among sufferers.
While these symptoms are common to PAD sufferers, four in ten people with PAD boast no leg pain, with some individuals being asymptomatic.
With regards to symptoms, as PAD worsens, symptoms become more severe. Severe cases include ulcers that will not heal, continuous pain and numbness, an onset of gangrene, or even foot or leg amputation.
For Those with Early or Advanced Symptoms
For those suffering from early or advanced symptoms, consulting a doctor and early detection is vital for those suffering from early or advanced symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and intervention lead to healing. Doctors may advise patients to change their diets, stop smoking, exercise more, take prescribed medications, or undergo hospital procedures.
After all, it’s all about managing risk factors when it comes to PAD. Prevention is better than cure, and as CDC puts it, following these measures will help U.S. citizens prevent the onset of PAD:
- Get plenty of physical activity to help prevent PAD or improve PAD symptoms.
- Do not use tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of PAD and makes PAD symptoms worse.
- Control high blood pressure and manage high blood cholesterol and diabetes.
As reported on news reports, “Start with smoking cessation, get into a structured exercise habit, and work with your [doctor] to manage risk factors. Even if you ultimately require surgical intervention, long-term results are strongly dependent on how well these other factors are managed.”
As a major health concern in the country and alarming numbers are now taking center stage in the U.S., all U.S. citizens must practice a healthy lifestyle to avoid PAD and consult a doctor should they be suffering from symptoms.