Knowing More About Peripheral Arterial Disease
This article will provide you a great deal of useful information and helpful resources about peripheral arterial disease. It will differentiate P.A.D. from peripheral vascular disease (P.V.D). Moreover, it will discuss the causes and risk factors of this disease, as well as its symptoms, dangers, and treatments.
P.A.D vs P.V.D
It is important to note that P.A.D. is the most common form of P.V.D and that is why the two terms are often used interchangeably by doctors and medical practitioners. It occurs as a problem on the blood vessels particularly in the arteries, those that carry blood away from the heart. Fatty deposits brought about by high cholesterol levels form and block the walls of the arteries making them hard and obstructed. This is called arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis.
The furring of the arteries and the thickening of their walls is brought about by a built up plaque usually composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. This then causes a thinning and tightening of the blood vessels outside of your heart and limits the flow of blood to your organs and body parts.
It mainly affects arteries that take blood to your legs. Also, those in the arms and kidneys can be affected although the disorder can distress the blood flow to any organ.
Causes and Risk Factors for P.A.D.
As mentioned, the process of arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis that lead to narrowing of the arteries of the body is held responsible for this disease. Knowing that it is the plaque that blocks off blood flow, a person should limit his fatty substances and cholesterol intake for they are included in the main compositions of the lump. It is also important to note that arteriosclerosis can be brought by a complicate process of artery damage during childhood which can worsen through adulthood. Such example can be a blood vessel damage that resulted from an arm or leg injury or infection. This can also increase the possibility of having the disease.
In the U.S., about 10 million people, particularly those aged 50 and above become prone to peripheral arterial disease. This condition is also hailed as one of the most significant causes of disability among the elderly. Similarly, in U.K., 1 in 5 men and 1 in 8 women aged 50-75 years are inflicted with the disease. Smoking, family history of atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, no exercise, and obesity are just some of the factors that contribute to the chance of having this arterial disease.
Symptoms of P.A.D.
Symptoms vary depending on the body part or organ affected. A person can experience ischemia once the artery is blocked and unable to deliver oxygen-rich blood. Once this occurs, it can lead to tissue death or gangrene. However, if the legs or arms are the ones affected, the person can experience coldness, bluing, and numbness. The worst part is when it happens in the heart, the person may suffer from a heart attack, and in the brain which can then lead to stroke.
Live a healthy lifestyle and consult your doctor regularly to ensure your safety from peripheral arterial disease.
You can fight peripheral arterial disease with the help of the information and advice we provide.
Processing your request, Please wait....
