Peripheral arterial disease, or peripheral artery disease, is a common circulation problem. It affects about 8 to 12 million Americans. It is a condition that is very similar to coronary artery disease.
In peripheral artery disease, fatty deposits built up in the interior lining of the artery walls. The fatty deposits cause the artery channels to narrow, letting less blood to blow through. This condition of fatty buildup is called atherosclerosis. This blood restricted usually affects the arteries that lead to the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs, and feet.
The buildup of fats is in the arteries of the heart and the brain. Because of this, most people with peripheral arterial disease have a higher risk of death from a heart attack or a stroke. A heart attack can occur when fatty buildup causes the blood blow to be blocked, impeding blood and oxygen to the heart and killing heart tissue. A stroke can occur when fatty buildup in the arteries to the brain blocks blood flow. The brain doesn’t receive enough blood, the cells begin to die, and a stroke ensues.
When peripheral arterial disease is in its early stages, common symptoms are cramping or fatigue in the legs and buttocks during physical activity. The most noted symptom is leg pain when walking. When a person with peripheral arterial disease stands still, the cramping subsides. This cramping and fatiguing is called claudication.
Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease
In order to diagnose peripheral arterial disease, a doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination. He will also want to know the medical history of the patient as well as the medical history of family members. Tests may be conducted such as an ultrasound, angiography, and an MRA.
Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Most people with peripheral arterial disease can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or both. There are several lifestyle factors that increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease.
– Quit smoking or using tobacco in any form
– Control diabetes with diet and medication
– Control blood pressure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and medication.
– Be physical active. Talk to your doctor about a program that is right for you.
– Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and low in cholesterol.
A few factors that are uncontrollable but increase the likelihood of claudication and peripheral arterial disease are being elderly and if buildup of plaque in the veins has been a problem in the past.
Drug treatment may be necessary to control peripheral arterial disease.
– Medication to improve walking distance.
– Antiplatelet agents that stop platelets from sticking to the plaque buildup.
– Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Some people may not be able to help their disease by lifestyle changes and medication alone. Surgery or angioplasty may be necessary.
Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure that helps widen narrow or blocked peripheral arteries. A thin, long tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery. It is threaded through the body to the location of the blocked artery. Then, a balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated, opening the blocked artery.
Because angioplasty is usually only a temporary effect, often a small metal tube called a stent is placed in the location of the narrowed artery. The stent expands and locks open to keep the diseased artery from closing.
If the diseased artery is narrowed or blocked for a lengthy portion of the artery, this is when surgery may become necessary. A vein from another part of the body is taken and attached above and below the diseased artery to let blood detour around the blocked spot.