Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects the arteries of the arms or legs, is similar to coronary artery disease in the heart. PAD is generally caused by atherosclerosis, which is the fatty buildup of plaque within the walls of the artery. This buildup reduces the diameter of the artery and slows or even stops blood flow to the parts of the body that artery supplies. PAD is most common in the arm or leg and results in pain, especially with activity. Other symptoms of PAD include numbness or tingling, weakness, cramping and coldness. Several treatment options are available for patients with PAD.
Lifestyle Changes
Peripheral artery disease, like heart disease, is often a result of lifestyle choices. Increasing physical activity, adopting a healthy diet low in cholesterol and losing weight can help slow or stop the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce the progression of the arterial blockage. Smoking causes damage to the arterial walls, which attracts plaque and increases clotting. Exercise can help reduce weight, but it also helps to build a healthy cardiovascular system.
Medications
Several medications can be prescribed by your doctor to help treat peripheral artery disease. The goal for most of these medications is to control the risk of stroke and heart attack that is present with peripheral artery disease. According to the Association of American Family Physicians, antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and Persantine do not break up existing clots, but improve the clotting profile and reduce the potential for further clots. Medication may also be prescribed to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and treat potential diabetes symptoms, all of which are aggravating factors for atherosclerosis.
Medical Treatment
Angioplasty is a very common treatment option with PAD. The first step is to do a diagnostic angiogram to locate the position and severity of the blockage. According to Vascularweb.com, this is done by inserting a thin plastic tube or catheter into an artery in the groin and threading it up towards the blocked artery. Angioplasty is the use of a small inflatable balloon on the end of this catheter. When the catheter reaches the blockage, the balloon is inflated, expanding the diameter of the blood vessel. A small piece of mesh, called a stent, may be left in place to help maintain the diameter and blood flow.
Surgery
Surgical intervention for PAD is a last resort and is usually accomplished as a bypass, similar to bypass surgery in the heart. In this procedure, a vein is harvested from another part of the body and is sewn onto the affected artery above and below the blockage, effectively bypassing the blockage.
