Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Its Impact on Lower Limb Health
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most often your legs. While many people with PAD experience mild or no symptoms, others develop significant leg pain when walking. In severe cases, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, increasing the risk of amputation.
What Causes PAD?
PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries. This plaque, composed of fatty substances, cholesterol, and other debris, narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow. This reduced blood flow can lead to various symptoms, particularly in the legs.
How Does PAD Affect Your Legs?
The most common symptom of PAD is claudication, which is leg pain or cramping that occurs during exercise and subsides with rest. The location of the pain depends on the location of the narrowed artery. Other symptoms may include leg numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, sores or ulcers on the toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal, changes in the color of the legs, shiny skin on the legs, slow toenail growth, diminished or absent pulse in the feet or legs, and erectile dysfunction (in men).
Why Early Detection is Crucial
Early detection and treatment of PAD are essential to prevent serious complications. Untreated PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe blockage of the arteries in the extremities, significantly reducing blood flow. In severe cases of CLI, amputation may be necessary to prevent gangrene and infection. PAD is also a strong indicator of generalized atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Who is at Risk?
Several factors increase your risk of developing PAD, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age over 50, and a family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke.
What Should You Do?
If you experience any symptoms of PAD, it’s crucial to consult a vascular specialist. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, to assess blood flow in your legs.
Take Control of Your Vascular Health Today!
Don’t let PAD symptoms go unchecked. If you’re experiencing leg pain, numbness, or other concerns, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule an appointment with our vascular specialists today. Call us at 212-991-9991 to schedule your consultation.
