Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, particularly the legs, become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis. This leads to reduced blood flow, causing symptoms like pain and fatigue in the affected areas.
Causes
PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on arterial walls. Other contributing factors include:
- Smoking: Damages arteries and accelerates plaque formation.
- Diabetes: Increases the risk of arterial damage.
- High Cholesterol: Promotes plaque buildup.
- High Blood Pressure: Strains and damages arteries.
- Age: More common in people over 50.
Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
- Claudication: Pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs or hips during activity, relieved by rest.
- Coldness in the Lower Leg or Foot: Compared to the other side.
- Sores or Ulcers: That heal slowly or not at all.
- Weak Pulses: In the legs or feet.
- Skin Changes: Shiny skin, hair loss, or discoloration on the legs.
In severe cases, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, with persistent pain and risk of tissue death.
Diagnosis
- Physical Exam: Checking pulses and listening for abnormal sounds in arteries.
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm.
- Doppler Ultrasound: Visualizes blood flow in the arteries.
- Angiography: Provides detailed images of arterial blockages.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly (e.g., supervised walking programs).
- Maintain a healthy diet to manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Medications:
- Blood thinners to prevent clots.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins).
- Medications to improve blood flow or relieve symptoms.
- Procedures:
- Angioplasty and Stenting: Opens narrowed arteries with a balloon and stent.
- Bypass Surgery: Creates a detour around blocked arteries.
Prevention
- Quit Smoking: Significantly reduces risk.
- Control Diabetes: Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: With diet, exercise, and medications.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity improves circulation.
The general other names given to PAD are atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease, Claudication, Hardening of the arteries, Leg cramps from poor circulation, Peripheral arterial disease, Peripheral vascular disease, Poor circulation, Vascular disease. Usually, a patient consults Dr. Puneeth with atherosclerosis, person with habit of smoking, patient with high values of cholesterol in blood, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance.In Angiocare Hospital they screen and educate in preventing of PAD before stepping in for diagnosis one should be aware of family history of health problems related to P.A.D. If anyone from or someone in your family has the PAD disease, be sure to tell your doctor in Angiocare. They usually educate in controlling risk factors. The Doctors suggests one must be physically active, be screened for PAD with ankle-brachial index, follow heart healthy eating, taking quit smoking programs, if one is overweight take weight loss plan. The lifestyle changes will also prevent one from getting ischemic heart disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and even stroke.Vascular specialist Doctor is required to treat with PAD, a vascular specialist Dr. Puneeth may be involved. This is a doctor who specializes in treating blood vessel diseases and conditions in Hyderabad.
During the physical examination in Angiocare hospital, your doctor in Angiocare will look for signs of PAD. The Doctor may check for the blood flow in your legs or feet to see whether you have weak or reduced pulses. Dr.Puneeth will check the pulses in your leg arteries for any bruit a abnormal whooshing. Simple sounds heard using stethoscope will give some understanding whether he/ she is having a blocked arteries.Angiocare Hospital is well equipped with Ankle- brachial Index, Doppler ultrasound, treadmill test, Magnetic Resonance Angiogram, Arteriogram for proper diagnosis of PAD.If the conditions of patient is in initial phase treatment often includes making life-long heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as mentioned above but, if it is complicated surgery will be done by Dr. Puneeth completely specialized in performing bypass grafting, Angioplasty, stent placement, Atherectomy.
Angiocare
Vascular, Endovascular Surgery & Diabetic Foot care Hospital
Angio care Hospital, located in the heart of Kukatpally, is recognized as the Hospital in Hyderabad. With a patient-first approach and cutting-edge technology, we deliver comprehensive healthcare services. Our advanced facilities, including state-of-the-art lasers, laparoscopic systems, and a 32-slice CT scanner, ensure accurate diagnostics and effective treatments across a wide range of specialties.
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Angiocare Hospital, located in Tarnaka and Kukatpally, is renowned as one of the best hospitals in Hyderabad, offering comprehensive medical services in urology, orthopedics, vascular care, dental care, laparoscopic surgery, gastrointestinal care, gynecology, and general medicine.
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