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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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Peripheral Artery Disease or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the most common form of organic PVD that occurs only within the arteries. Deposit of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, restricts the blood flow through the arteries, primarily affecting the body's extremities (arm or leg). PAD is witnessed in the patient when atherosclerosis occurs in the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the limbs.

PVD vs PAD 

It can be pretty confusing to understand the variations in disorders due to the usage of similar terms. Here, PVD can be used to describe all cases of PAD; however, PAD cannot be used to describe all types of PVD. There are various forms of PVD in which the PAD is just one form of PVD. Therefore, PVD is much wider and covers more disorders, while PAD is just one form of PVD. Various types of PVD that are not considered PAD are as follows: 

  • Varicose Veins

  • Deep vein thrombosis

  • Chronic venous insufficiency 

  • Thrombophlebitis

Risk Factors

Patients with diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease are more prone to PAD. Other risk factors which can likely cause PAD are as follows: 

  • Smoking 

  • Ageing, i.e., over the age of 50

  • Overweight or obese

  • Family history of heart diseases

  • History of previous heart attack or stroke 

  • Physically inactive  

Symptoms

Claudication is the most common symptom of PAD and PVD. Claudication refers to lower limb muscle pain or cramps while performing any activity like walking, running, etc. When you are walking, the muscles in your leg may not receive enough blood flow, resulting in limb pain. At first, this pain can be experienced when doing any activity and may go away after some rest. However, as your PAD progresses, you can experience pain even when resting. With time, PAD also worsens and more frequent symptoms can be seen. Though PAD patient shows mild to no symptoms, it is of greater importance to get an early diagnosis and proper treatment. Visit our cardiology hospital in Mysore for the best treatment. Other PAD symptoms also include: 

  • Feeling of pins and needles in lower legs or feet 

  • Cuts on legs that don’t heal or heal slowly 

  • Shiny skin on legs

  • The slow growth of toenails

  • Erectile dysfunction 

  • Weak pulse in legs 

Diagnosis 

As PAD is just one type of PVD, the diagnosis for both disorders looks similar. However, your doctor collects your medical history and conducts a physical exam before diagnosing you. Common PVD diagnostic solutions like ankle-brachial index, magnetic resonance angiography, or doppler ultrasound are performed to confirm the presence of PAD. 

Treatment

One can manage PAD through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Patients with high-risk factors should frequently get diagnosed to check for signs of PAD. The best course of treatment is discussed by your doctor who can reduce your symptoms and lower the chances of heart attack or stroke. In the most challenging cases, doctors opt for surgery to decrease the PAD impact or entirely prevent it. Balloon angioplasty or arterial bypass surgeries can be performed to reroute the restricted blood vessels. Book an appointment to have the best treatment.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

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