PAD refers to diseases of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. They are caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, smoke, high cholesterol, are elderly, or have a family history of heart attack, you are always at high risk of getting PAD. Plano peripheral artery disease is comprehensively diagnosed by Dr. Shah with ankle-brachial tests, angiography, CT, MRA, ultrasound, and treated as outlined below to reduce symptoms and prevent you from developing coronary artery diseases, heart attack, and strokes.
Treatments
There is no cure for PAD, but the following lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive surgeries help to alleviate the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
If you are experiencing PAD symptoms such as numbness in the legs, arms, and even erectile dysfunction, it is a clear indication that your blood vessels are unhealthy. The following lifestyle modification helps to prevent PAD and alleviate its symptoms;
- Regular physical activities such as walking regimens help boost your self-esteem, moods, energy, sleep and reduce the severity and frequency of PAD symptoms.
- Smoking cessation will help you to slow PAD progression and other related heart diseases.
- Eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat helps to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Avoid certain cold medications since some cold medicine contributes to blood vessel constriction, which increases PAD symptoms.
- Cutting down on alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight also help to prevent PAD.
- Taking care of your mental well-being, such as anxiety, depression, and managing your diabetes condition help to reduce the chances of having chronic PAD.
Medications
Different types of medicine are used to treat the causes of PAD while reducing the risk of you developing other CVD-related conditions. The following medicines are commonly used;
- Cholesterol medicine, such as a statin, reduces your heart attack and stroke risks.
- High blood pressure medications such as antihypertensive to lower blood pressure
- Blood clot medication to improve blood flow
- Blood sugar medication to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
- Symptom-relief drugs such as cilostazol increase blood flow to the limbs alleviate leg numbness.
- Blood-thinning medicine help to reduce risks of blood clots
Surgery
If PAD is causing claudication, surgery becomes necessary. The following surgeries help to alleviate chronic PAD pain;
- Angioplasty: A blocked or narrowed section of the artery is widened by inflating a tiny balloon in the vessel.
- Artery bypass graft: Arteries are taken from a healthy part of your body and used to bypass blocked and narrowed arteries in the affected area.
- Thrombolytic therapy: A clot-dissolving agent is injected into your artery at the clotting point to dissolve the clot and improve blood flow.
- Atherectomy is a procedure used to remove atherosclerosis, which might rupture and cause cholesterol to spill into the arteries.
- Stent: Tiny tubes are inserted into the artery to prevent blockage and allow the flow of blood and other fluids.
Talk to a PAD specialist today
PAD increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and CVD; therefore, it is vital to get an early diagnosis and treatment to prevent future amputations. Conduct Dr. Shah, a PAD specialist at Prime Heart and Vascular in Texas, get comprehensive treatment, diagnose, and get back to your daily activities without worrying about amputation.
