Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition in which the blood vessels in the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD can be caused by a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, which is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can affect the veins in a few ways. Due to PAD as the blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced it can cause a buildup of pressure in the veins, which can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, and other vein-related conditions.
When the blood flow is decreased, the blood in the veins may become stagnant and pool in the legs, leading to the formation of varicose veins. These veins are enlarged and twisted and they can cause discomfort or pain, swelling, and skin changes.
PAD can also lead to the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis. DVT can be serious and can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a blockage of an artery in the lungs.
Additionally, PAD can cause a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This occurs when the valves in the veins that normally help to push blood back to the heart become damaged or weakened. When this happens, blood can pool in the legs and cause swelling, discoloration, and ulcers.
Dangers of PAD
While PAD is a serious condition, it can also be life-threatening if left untreated.
One of the most serious complications of PAD is a condition called critical limb ischemia It occurs when the blood flow to the legs and feet is so severely restricted that it leads to tissue death. This can result in the need for amputation, which can be life-altering.
Another serious complication of PAD is the risk of heart attack and stroke. PAD is often caused by the same underlying factors that lead to heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. As a result, people with PAD have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
PAD also increases the risk of developing an aneurysm, which is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Treatment alternatives for PAD
The specific treatment plan for PAD will depend on the severity of the disease and the patient’s overall health.
- Lifestyle changes: PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. This can help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of further plaque buildup.
- Medications: Medications such as antiplatelet drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure-lowering drugs can be used to help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.
- Angioplasty and stenting: In some cases, a procedure called angioplasty may be used to open blocked or narrowed arteries. A small balloon is inserted into the artery and then inflated to widen the vessel. A small metal mesh tube called a stent may also be placed to help keep the artery open.
- Bypass surgery: If the blockages are severe and cannot be treated with angioplasty, bypass surgery may be needed. This involves using a piece of a healthy blood vessel to bypass the blocked or narrowed section of the artery.
- Lymphedema therapy: This type of therapy is used to help manage the symptoms of lymphedema (swelling) caused by PAD. It includes techniques such as compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercises.
It is important for people with PAD to be diagnosed and treated early to prevent serious complications and reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation, and death.
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment In Hyderabad
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