Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease does not always have symptoms. You might want your physician to check you for Peripheral Artery Disease if you're
- Aged 70 or older
- Aged 50 or older and smoke/used to smoke or have diabetes
- Aged younger than 50 and have diabetes and one or more risk factors for atherosclerosis
Common Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
The most common cause of peripheral artery disease is atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up in your arteries. The exact cause is unknown. However, these factors can damage arteries and might lead to Peripheral Artery Disease
- Excess blood sugar (diabetes or insulin resistance)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Don't smoke
Controllable Risk Factors
- Follow a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Monitor high blood pressure
- Blood sugar levels and diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Don't smoke
Non-controllable Risk Factors
- Advancing Age
- Family history of PAD, cardiovascular disease or stroke
Diagnosis
Medical and family histories, a physical exam and test results are used to diagnose whether or not a patient has peripheral artery disease. The diagnosis is done if a patient reports that they have symptoms. Diagnosing this disease is a critical step in order for a patient to get the help he/she needs before it leads to further diseases or conditions.
Treatment
The overall goals include helping the patient reduce further heart health-related risks as peripheral artery disease can worsen. Treatment plans vary, and can include medications and the possibility of surgery, but the plan will include a heart-healthy lifestyle such as
- Follow a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don't smoke
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctors. Always talk with your doctors about diagnosis and treatment options.