Peripheral Arterial Disease

Understanding and Managing Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Guide for Adults

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. Understanding PAD is crucial as it can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Here's what you need to know about this condition and how to manage it.

Peripheral Arterial Disease: What Is It?

PAD happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries that supply blood to your limbs, usually your legs. This build-up can restrict blood flow, leading to symptoms like leg pain when walking.

Importance of Recognising Peripheral Arterial Disease

Recognising PAD is important because it's not just your limbs at risk. The condition is likely a sign of fatty deposits in arteries elsewhere in your body — this could mean a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Diagnosing Peripheral Arterial Disease

Diagnosis of PAD often involves comparing the blood pressure in your ankles to the blood pressure in your arms, known as an ankle-brachial index. Other tests may include Doppler and ultrasound imaging, angiography, or blood tests.

Managing Peripheral Arterial Disease

Treatment for PAD has two main goals: manage symptoms, such as leg pain, so that physical activity can be resumed, and stop the progression of atherosclerosis to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Management strategies include:

Lifestyle changes: These include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a heart-healthy diet.

Medications: Certain medicines can control symptoms or prevent complications. These may include drugs to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, or prevent blood clots.

Procedures or surgery: In some severe cases, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be needed to improve blood flow.

Living With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Living with PAD involves regular medical care, including routine diagnostic testing to monitor your condition. You may also need to take medications as prescribed and adopt healthier lifestyle habits.

Remember, while PAD is a serious condition, it's also manageable, especially when diagnosed early. If you have any concerns about PAD, please reach out to us. We're here to support you on your journey to better health.