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Peripheral arterial disease

By Centro Medico Excel
Posted on 11/14/2011

Peripheral arterial disease is a common but often overlooked condition in which a build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma) in the arteries restricts the blood supply to leg muscles. It is also known as peripheral vascular disease.

The most common symptom of Peripheral arterial disease is painful cramping in the legs brought on by walking. Cramps then disappear after 5–10 minutes of resting.

However, many people with Peripheral arterial disease have no noticeable symptoms

Peripheral arterial disease is a cardiovascular disease, meaning that it affects the blood vessels.

While it is not immediately life-threatening, the fact the PAD has developed suggests that you have a high degree of atherosclerosis.

Having a high degree of atherosclerosis means you have a much higher risk of developing another, more serious cardiovascular disease, such as:

•              Coronary artery heart disease, angina or even a MI

•              Stroke

Receiving a diagnosis of Peripheral arterial disease should therefore be taken as a serious warning sign that you need to make significant lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of disability and possibly death.

Also, if the symptoms of Peripheral arterial disease worsen, there is a risk that the tissue of the lower leg will begin to die, which in the most severe of cases requires the lower leg to be amputated.

Men are more likely to develop the symptoms of Peripheral arterial disease earlier in life than women.

Risk factors for Peripheral arterial disease are the same as for other cardiovascular diseases and include:

•              Smoking – the single most significant risk factor

•              Diabetes – both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

•              High blood pressure

•              High cholesterol levels

Peripheral arterial disease is treated through medication and making certain lifestyle changes. The two most important lifestyle changes are to quit smoking if you are a smoker and to exercise daily.

See the sections below for more information.

·         Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease

·         Causes of peripheral arterial disease

·         Diagnosing peripheral arterial disease

·         Peripheral arterial disease - Treatment

·         Complications of peripheral arterial disease