September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month! PAD is more common than you may think. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, over 12 million Americans have PAD.1 Although PAD usually affects older adults, this disease is on the rise in people under age 65. One thing to remember when it comes to peripheral artery disease, though, is that early detection is critical to avoiding serious complications. Keep reading to learn more about PAD and what you can do to prevent it.
What is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulatory condition in which plaque builds up in the artery over many years. There are many risk factors for PAD, but some of the most common ones are:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Atherosclerosis
Smoking
What are the symptoms of PAD?
Oftentimes, people who are in the early stages of PAD do not have symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms can develop, which should not be ignored. These include:
Pain and muscle cramps after walking or climbing stairs
Coldness in the lower leg or foot
Leg numbness or weakness
Weak pulse in the legs or feet
Shiny skin on the legs
Sores on the lower extremities that won’t heal
Slow-growing toenails
If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Early detection is key because if the disease becomes severe, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
How is PAD diagnosed?
Peripheral artery disease can be diagnosed with an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or ankle blood pressure measurement test. Doctors may also use ultrasound or angiography to check blood flow or look for blockages.
What can you do about PAD?
Whether you already have peripheral artery disease or you want to prevent it, making healthy lifestyle changes will reduce symptoms and risk factors. These changes include:
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a major risk factor for PAD, heart attack and stroke.
Exercise regularly. Even walking helps.
Choose a diet low in saturated fat and trans fat to help manage cholesterol levels. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit sodium and sugar.
If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s directions for managing your blood sugar levels, which will help maintain or improve your vascular health.
If you have peripheral artery disease and your symptoms can’t be managed with lifestyle changes alone, your doctor will recommend treatment options.
Medical Rehab at Milwaukee Rehabilitation Hospital
Our medical rehab services help people with medically disabling conditions, such as peripheral artery disease through various rehab treatments to include physical therapy for movement and exercise, occupational therapy for daily tasks and pain management, and diet counseling to name a few of an individual’s intensive rehabilitation plan. To learn more about medical rehab services, click here.
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