Lifestyle Changes and Medications Can Help Manage Peripheral Artery Disease

That pain in your leg when you go for a walk might just be the typical aging of the body but it could also be your body’s way of giving you a warning. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition where the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, most commonly the legs, are narrowed due to the build-up of plaque or fatty deposits. Pain, fatigue or cramping are the symptoms that go away with rest but become more severe as time passes.

The bad thing? PAD is a progressive disease which eventually leads to severe disabilities. The good thing is that PAD can be controlled well. Through this  blog, we’ll talk about the nature of PAD, its causes and the impact of treatment and everyday habits on the condition.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Plaque, which consists of fat, cholesterol and other substances, builds up in the arteries of a person with Peripheral Artery Disease, thus narrowing the arteries and limiting the blood flow. The process, termed atherosclerosis, usually impacts the arteries in the legs.

Once the muscles are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, you may get claudication, that is to say pain or numbness in the leg during walking which disappears after rest. However, PAD is not just a local problem, it is a serious warning sign of a systemic cardiovascular disease, thus the chances of heart attack and stroke become higher.

Identifying the Risk Factors for PAD

PAD is the result of a gradual process and therefore, it cannot be blamed for suddenly appearing. The condition is basically due to a combination of one’s health and lifestyle factors. Knowing these factors will definitely help you to take preventive measures early.

Some of the commonly risk factors are:

• Smoking: Without a doubt, the major risk of cigarette smoking is that it speeds up the process of the damage of the arteries and the buildup of the plaques.
• Diabetes: Excessive blood sugar harms the blood vessels, which decreases the supply of oxygen to the legs.
• Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Being High: Both these conditions heighten the stress on the arteries and facilitate atherosclerosis.
• Obesity: Being overweight increases the probability of getting diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
• Age: The risk of developing PAD goes beyond 50 years and even more in smokers or diabetics.
• Family History: A hereditary link to cardiovascular disease makes the person more susceptible.

It is quite important first to identify these risks in order to be able to save your arteries and heart from any other problems.

Lifestyle Changes- Your First Line of Defense

Medications and Medical Interventions -Restoring Arterial Health

The most natural and potent lifestyle changes are nevertheless the only ones capable of managing PAD besides drugs. They not only brighten the symptoms but also slow down the damage to the arteries.

• Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking is by far the most important single step. It brings about better circulation, oxygen delivery is improved and the chances of blockages in the arteries are reduced.
• Exercise Regularly: Walking under the supervision of a program is very effective for people with PAD. The method of walking until you feel pain, then resting and repeating, helps to encourage the growth of new blood vessels (a process called collateral circulation) and to increase stamina. The target should be 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times a week.
• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: The healthy eating plan consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins is very beneficial for the arteries. By limiting the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats and added sugars one can keep the cholesterol level and blood pressure in control two of the biggest contributors to PAD.
• Manage Weight and Stress: Keeping your body at a normal weight is one of the ways that the heart will be relieved of its burden. At the same time, practicing mindfulness or yoga can help lower the stress level, which in turn will have a positive effect on the vascular system.

Such small but consistent habits are often quite enough to regain the ability to move and to ease the pain.

A Step Towards a Healthier Future

Peripheral Artery Disease should not be the cause of restriction in your ability to move or your quality of life. PAD is a manageable disease if it is kept within a certain timeframe, changes are made to one’s way of living, and medication is taken.

If a case of leg pain or extreme tiredness while walking is something that has happened to you repeatedly, then do not turn a blind eye to it, the early check-up really makes a great difference. To obtain an accurate diagnosis along with a trimmed-down treatment plan for PAD, you may want to see the top cardiology specialists at Sugam Hospital, the best cardiology hospital in Chennai, who are committed to giving you years of a healthy heart and vascular system.