Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common vascular arterial disease that is affecting people globally, particularly in old age. It is counted among the three main causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases that follow CAD (coronary artery disease) as well as stroke.

PAD is prominent among people over 50 years and it increases with age. According to the studies PAD is prevalent among patients over 60 years or above 50 years having a history of diabetes, hypertension, CAD or if they are addicted to smoking.

PAD increases substantially and can result in leg pain on walking, leg ulcer, or in severe cases gangrene of the affected leg or arm. It also affects the quality of life and intense disability due to foot ulcers, repeated hospitalization, acute limb ischemia, etc.

Symptoms of PAD

Patients with PAD can have the following symptoms:

• Calf, thigh or buttock claudication - Patients with claudication experience lower extremity pain, heaviness, fatigue, discomfort, cramping, burning in thigh, hip calf or buttock that is experienced while walking and the patient may get relief when they take rest.
• Non-healing foot or hand ulcer
• Black or bluish discoloration of toes, fingers, foot or hand
• Dry digital gangrene in foot or hand
• Rest Pain – its a pain in patients with CLI (critical limb ischemia) while they are at rest and may get worse even with limb elevation and vanish when the patient keeps leg hanging down.

CLI (critical limb ischemia) which is a severe condition of PAD can be identified at the initial stage of diagnosis.

Out of four patients of CLI, one may need a major or minor amputation or even die due to associated cardiovascular reasons. You can approach Dr. Bhavin Ram, one of the best Vascular Surgeon in Hyderabad to rule out symptoms of PAD.

Nearly 20% of patients suffering from PAD can have a myocardial infarction/stroke within just 5 years of getting diagnosed with PAD.

Dr. Bhavin Ram, the well-known Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon asks their patients to get diagnosed as soon as they come across related symptoms.

Atherosclerosis and PAD

Atherosclerosis can be explained as the collection of fibrous, lipid and inflammatory plaque between the medial and intimal layers of the vessel wall.

Atherosclerosis of non-coronary arteries is termed as PAD. It actually affects the large as well as medium-size arteries resulting in reduced blood circulation because of the narrowing of luminal.

In some cases, atherosclerotic plaques result in erosion or rupture leading to thrombosis and sudden termination of blood circulation in vascular bed that is affected leading to acute limb ischemia.

Risk factors associated with atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries

The risk factors related to atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries are the same as those of atherosclerosis in coronary artery disease.

Common risk factors for PAD are Diabetes, Hypertension, CAD, Hyperlipidemia and Smoking.

When you go approach PAD experts like Dr. Bhavin Ram, you will get to know about PAD and its various available treatment options. Its always better to get diagnosed as early as possible, as it leads to a better quality of life and it can save your limb and sometimes even life also.