Symptoms in your legs could signal Peripheral Artery Disease. What you need to know

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a severe vascular disease that predominantly affects the arteries of the lower extremities. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrow or blocked due to atherosclerotic plaque buildup.

Several risk factors can contribute to the development of this disease, including smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.

Recognizing the Symptoms of PAD

The symptoms of PAD are often quite subtle, leading to a potential delay in diagnosis. Symptoms include leg pain or discomfort while walking, which eases after rest, and in advanced stages, pain even while resting. Other signs might involve hair loss on the legs, slower nail growth, frequent skin infections, and ulcers.

Moreover, the narrowing or blockage of an artery can alter the skin color of the legs. When the limb is raised, the skin may become pale or sometimes even display a bluish hue. When lowered again, the skin might appear slightly red or purple.

Tackling the Treatment of PAD

Peripheral artery disease often goes undiagnosed, impairing mobility and everyday activities. Furthermore, it can set the stage for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease.

Therefore, it's imperative to relieve symptoms and prevent the further advancement of atherosclerosis. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Typically, pharmacological treatment encompasses antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, statins to reduce cholesterol levels, antidiabetic drugs if necessary, and in some instances, antihypertensive drugs. Interventional procedures may also be required in some situations.