Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious medical condition that can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke. In the early stages, the symptoms can be so mild that they are not automatically associated with a serious disease. However, this condition does raise the risk of blood clots, which can be damaging and even fatal. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes and treatments available to help lower the risk of complications.
Identification
Peripheral artery disease is a type of peripheral vascular disease. It is a condition where the blood vessels in the peripheral areas of the body become narrow. Peripheral artery disease is diagnosed when atherosclerosis, or a build up of plaque, occurs along the artery walls, claims the American Heart Association. This restricts the amount of blood and oxygen that can get through. It most commonly affects the blood vessels that supply the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs and feet. If severe enough, it can also affect blood flow to the brain and heart.
Significance
When arteries narrow and restrict blood flow, there is an increased risk for blood clots to form, warns the Texas Heart Institute. In addition, pieces of plaque can break off and form a blood clot. A blood clot that occurs deep within the leg is called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. The risk for DVT rises after being sedentary for long periods. If this occurs, the area can become swollen, red and painful. If the blood clot breaks loose and enters the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism. This can cause chest pain, coughing, trouble breathing and fainting spells. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Symptoms
To help prevent complications, such as blood clots, from occurring, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of PAD. The Mayo Clinic recommends being on the lookout for muscle pain or cramping in the legs that gets worse with activity and improves with rest, especially in the calf area. Numbness or weakness in the legs, a leg that feels cold to the touch, one leg that is colder than the other, sores on the legs and feet that do not heal properly, and a lack of a pulse in the leg(s) are other common signs. There are simple tests to diagnose this condition in its early stages, and steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Diagnosis
There are various tests that can be run to detect the presence of a blood clot. The Vascular Disease Foundation states that this includes scans using ultrasound waves to provide pictures of blood flow in the vessels and show any damage that might be present. An arteriography, which involves inserting a tiny tube into the arteries and injecting a dye to help follow blood flow can also help to confirm a diagnosis. A D-dimer test, which measures substances in the blood that are released when a blood clot dissolves, can also be used. These combined with a physical exam can help a physician make an accurate diagnosis and determine the right treatment plan.
Treatment
The primary treatment for peripheral artery disease is lifestyle modification. The Cleveland Clinic suggests losing excess weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and keeping conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, under control. Adopting these changes can lower the risk of PAD getting worse and of developing blood clots. When lifestyle changes are not enough, there are medications that can be used to thin the blood and prevent it from clotting.
