According to medical research studies, more than 14% of the world’s population suffers from peripheral arterial disease. It occurs when you have a blockage in your arteries. Peripheral artery disease symptoms are not obvious, and it may take some time to notice them. However, when they occur, you may have a tingling sensation in your legs, pain, and skin discoloration. You should reach out to a peripheral arterial disease El Paso specialist today if you have these signs for diagnosis and treatment. This article provides details on what you can expect from peripheral arterial disease.
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What is peripheral arterial disease?
It is a circulatory disease that develops due to reduced blood flow to the legs. It occurs when the arteries become restricted or narrow, decreasing the amount of blood flow to the legs. Peripheral arterial diseases increase your risk of severe complications such as stroke, heart attack, or atherosclerosis.
How do you know you have peripheral artery disease?
The disease causes pain, among other awful symptoms that can interfere with your daily life. PAD symptoms include leg discoloration, numbness, and weakness, cold feet and legs, shiny skin, and slow hair growth on your legs.
The peripheral arterial disease also causes erectile dysfunction in men and may lead to wound formation in the feet, toes, and legs. Leg pain from PAD may limit your walking and even lower your sleep quality. It’s advisable to seek medical care when you first discover these symptoms for further evaluation.
What increases your risk for peripheral arterial disease?
Usually, PAD can affect anyone, but some factors can affect its occurrence. For instance, older adults are more likely to develop the condition than younger people. In addition, people with diabetes, excessive weight, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure are at risk of peripheral arterial disease.
Smoking also increases your chance of having PAD. When left untreated, you may develop pain, sores, and infections, among other severe issues such as limb loss.
What to expect during PAD diagnosis?
Your provider at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center conducts a comprehensive diagnosis by carrying out a physical exam and evaluating your symptoms and medical history. They also suggest ultrasound and blood pressure measurements in your arm and ankle. The team also checks your blood flow through the arteries.
Is PAD treatable?
There are effective treatment options for peripheral arterial disease. The Desert West Vein &Surgery Center team offers various treatments, including the following.
Lifestyle modifications
A healthy lifestyle may lower your risk of PAD and improve your symptoms. Regular physical exercise, quitting smoking, healthy diets, and proper diabetic management can improve your peripheral artery disease. It’s also recommendable, to keep your cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control.
Medications
Your provider prescribes medications to alleviate your symptoms and maintain or treat any underlying medical issues.
Surgical methods
Where you have blocked arteries, your provider may recommend bypass surgery, angioplasty, or clot-dissolving injections to separate the blood clots.
Consider contacting Desert West Vein & Surgery Center today if you have PAD symptoms to schedule your consultation and treatment.
