 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease - Venous Disease Treatment
Peripheral Artery Disease is a venous disease caused by an internal event that changes artery structure. Fatty deposits on the artery walls cause inflammation and a structural damage to the artery. When the normal blood flow is restricted in any fashion there are consequences to the blood flow to the legs, arms and kidneys. Often the first symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease are those of leg fatigue, cramping, and pain in the legs and buttocks. Usually resting will stop the symptoms. This type of pain which stops with rest is called ‘intermittent claudication.” Atherosclerosis can cause insufficient blood flow to the kidneys resulting in elevated blood pressure. Since the opening or lumen of the arteries are clogged with a fatty substance, just as in coronary artery disease, people with Peripheral Artery Disease have a higher risk of stroke and cardiovascular incidents.It is important to make changes in your daily life such as:
-Monitoring blood pressure
-Cessation of smoking
-Starting an exercise program
-Following a low fat, and low cholesterol eating plan
-Keeping diabetes under control
Life style changes coupled with appropriate medications, such as antiplatelet agents, and cholesterol-lowering drugs may keep the disease process under control. Surgical management of Peripheral Artery Disease may be necessary depending on the severity of the case.
Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease may also suffer from Carotid Artery Disease.