What is peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease is better known as poor circulation. The condition occurs with a restriction of blood flow in the arteries of your leg.
The restriction typically happens due to a buildup of cholesterol and other materials clogging your arteries. As a result, blood doesn’t flow through your legs and feet as it should.
Peripheral arterial disease may be a warning sign of a more significant problem of arterial disease, which may be life-threatening, causing a stroke or heart attack.
What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease?
Common symptoms to look for include:
- Leg pain or cramping while lying down or walking
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Cold legs or feet
- Sores that won’t heal on your toes, feet, or legs
- A change in leg color
- Hair loss on your feet and legs
- Changes in the shade or thickness of your toenails
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, right away to get treatment. If left untreated, peripheral arterial disease can lead to debilitating consequences, including the loss of a foot or leg.
How do I know if I’m at risk for peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease produces symptoms in only half of people with the condition, so it’s essential to be screened for the disease if you have certain risk factors. These factors include:
- Being over age 50
- Smoking (now or in the past)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history of poor circulation, heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
Getting little or no exercise is also a risk factor.
How is peripheral arterial disease diagnosed?
The Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, team takes a comprehensive medical history and examines your feet and legs. You may also need tests to complete your diagnosis, such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure in your arm and ankle.
What are treatments for peripheral arterial disease?
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, can help. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure and control cholesterol.
If you’re worried about poor circulation, you can rely on the team at Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, for expert diagnosis and care. Call today or book a consultation online.
