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Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Most individuals with peripheral vascular disease have no symptoms. However, soreness or discomfort in the legs is a typical sign. While walking, you may also feel weak or weary. Calves, thighs, and buttocks are examples of affected leg areas. Peripheral arterial disease Coconut Creek can develop throughout a lifetime, and symptoms may not appear until later in life. Additionally, many patients will not have external symptoms until their artery is constricted by 60%.

An overview of PAD

Peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease or PAD) is a disorder in which your arteries constrict and can’t deliver as much blood to your extremities, such as your arms and legs. One of the warning indications of peripheral arterial disease is cramping, which starts when you move and goes away when you relax. It is most commonly felt in your legs, although it can also occur in other places of the body. PAD might affect your limbs, head, stomach, and kidneys.

Procedures for addressing PAD

If the arteries in your legs become blocked and restricted due to peripheral artery disease (PAD), your physician may consider surgery to restore blood flow to the muscles. When blood flow is restored, leg discomfort and the risk of amputation due to severe artery constriction may be minimized.

  1. Endovascular procedures for PAD: An endovascular operation is carried out inside the blood vessels using a tiny, flexible tube known as a catheter. Several endovascular techniques may be used to treat PAD, but the most prevalent is angioplasty and stenting. This operation is also widely performed to repair clogged arteries leading to the heart, restore blood flow, relieve chest discomfort (angina), stop a heart attack, or reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
  2. Surgery for PAD: Surgery is another alternative for restoring blood flow to your legs or, in rare situations, arms. If a long section of an artery narrows or a blood vessel gets badly obstructed, your doctor may propose bypass surgery. Blood flow is restored by rerouting your blood around the obstruction to alleviate leg discomfort and the danger of amputation due to significant artery stenosis.

How to prevent PAD

Addressing the following risk factors can help avoid or delay PAD:

Family history: Inform your doctor if you or someone in your family has or has had peripheral artery disease.

Smoking: Smoking is more closely linked to the development of heart disease than any other risk factor. Regular smokers are four times as likely as nonsmokers to develop PAD. Speak with your doctor about programs and products that can assist you in quitting smoking.

Diet: Stick to a low-fat, saturated-fat, trans-fat, cholesterol, and sodium-rich eating plan. Consume lots of fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Patients who are overweight or obese should consult their doctor about developing a sensible weight-loss strategy.

By adopting lifestyle adjustments, you can avoid or slow the progression of PAD. Also, maintain follow-up visits with your healthcare provider and vascular specialist, and take all medications prescribed for your issues. Conversely, knowing the warning signals of PAD problems helps you know when to seek assistance. Call South Florida Vascular Associates or book your appointment online to learn about PAD therapies.