Peripheral Artery Disease: All you need to know

Peripheral Artery Disease: All you need to know

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is causing jitters in the western world as it has risen to become the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. It is estimated that a majority of those affected by the condition are still unidentified, and that some are being treated insufficiently. The challenge many patients face to get proper treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis for the symptoms they display to get better treatment because this disease can reduce your life expectancy to 2-6 years when it becomes severe. Before your Peripheral Artery Disease Frisco treatment, here is what you need to know about PAD

Deficiencies in the Peripheral Artery

Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when your arteries harden as a result of atherosclerosis or plaque development.

Kidney failure, diabetes and obesity are among the risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Smoking and high blood pressure are also risk factors.

Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease

Symptoms of PAD include cramps on the hip, thighs and calf after walking for some distance or after some exercises or ascending stairs. Those with PAD should be aware of the following:

Male impacted by diabetes are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. In addition to the above, both men and women can experience symptoms such as weak or numb limbs, skin changes in the leg area, and a feeling of coldness in the lower part of the leg or foot. Toenail and leg hair growth may also be affected by the condition.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Diagnosis

The first step in determining if you have PAD is to get a physical examination by your doctor. When you visit the doctor, you and your doctor will talk about your health history and the symptoms you are experiencing.

In addition, your doctor may conduct a blood test to measure your blood sugar levels as well as your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. An imaging test may also be requested by the doctor in order to monitor your blood flow

Other types of tests that might be performed in the laboratory include:

Index of ankle-brachial ratio: Doctors use this test to compare your leg and arm blood pressure.

 Duplex Ultrasound test: Your blood flow and sound waves generate an image of your artery, which is examined for signs of a possible obstruction during this test.

CT angiography (CTA): This procedure uses X-rays and contrast materials to produce cross-sectional pictures of the arteries.

MR angiography (MRA): It uses powerful magnetic fields instead of X-rays to get a clear cross-sectional view of the arteries in your body.

Treatment Methods

To enhance blood flow, PAD therapy works to open or unblock narrowed or clogged arteries.

Non-surgical methods including controlling your diabetes, improving your nutrition, exercising to enhance blood flow, and stopping smoking can be administered by doctors.

Preventing life-threatening events like a stroke or heart attack is the goal of the drug administered. You may be prescribed blood thinners, hypertension medications, or cholesterol medications by a physician. It’s possible that your doctor will also tell you to get active and undertake a variety of workouts.

Stent implantation and atherectomy are a few of the surgical options that may be used to treat your condition.

Let us say you start to experience any of the signs and symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease. It is here that you will find the most qualified medical professionals that can treat your condition and provide you with the drugs you need to feel better. Make an appointment by calling the office or scheduling one online.

Martin Dupuis