Get to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis of peripheral artery disease

Did you know that most people who experience pain while walking, among other symptoms like numbness and tingling in the legs, might be suffering from peripheral artery disease? The answer is yes because peripheral artery disease prevents you from effectively taking part in your daily chores due to pain. Therefore, if you are experiencing some unusual symptoms in your leg peripheral arterial disease El Paso is the solution to your concerns. They have qualified and experienced specialists who evaluate your symptoms to determine if you have peripheral artery disease and share with you various treatment options available to alleviate your symptoms and reduce complications. Below is all you should know concerning peripheral artery disease.
What is peripheral artery disease?
It is a circulatory condition where arteries narrow down, causing a reduction in blood flowing to your legs. When blood flow to your legs is reduced, you begin experiencing leg pain, among other unpleasant symptoms. It also increases your chances of developing a heart attack, atherosclerosis, or stroke.
What are some of the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?
They include leg discoloration, cramping, shiny skin on your legs, numbness, leg weakness, coldness in your feet, a weak pulse, calf pain while walking, erectile dysfunction in men, sores on your legs, and slow toenail or hair growth in your legs. The leg pain might be severe such that you may experience difficulties when sleeping.
What are the risks for peripheral artery disease?
Even though peripheral artery disease can affect any person, some factors predispose you to suffer from this condition. Some factors include diabetes, smoking, old age, high cholesterol intake, obesity, and high blood pressure. Infection, limb loss, sores, and pain are some of the complications you may develop following peripheral heart disease.
How can your care provider diagnose peripheral artery disease?
Your health care provider usually reviews your symptoms, performs a comprehensive physical exam, and reviews your past medical history to help determine if you might be suffering from peripheral artery disease. He might also recommend measuring blood pressure in your arm and ankle and ultrasound in other cases. An angiography or ultrasound is recommended to evaluate blood flow in your blood vessels.
What treatment options are available for peripheral artery disease?
People suffering from peripheral artery disease may benefit from various treatments, including:
- Lifestyle changes
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces peripheral artery disease and its symptoms. Therefore, you should eat a healthy diet, not smoke, regularly monitor your blood sugar levels, exercise regularly, and control cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Medications
Some medicines can be prescribed to help control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Others also reduce your risk of developing complications and alleviate some unpleasant symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
- Surgical procedures
Angioplasty with stenting may be recommended when you have blocked or narrowed arteries. Other surgical procedures that can be performed include bypass surgery. Similarly, clot-dissolving medications can also be administered to break blood clots in your arteries before severe complications arise.
If not treated and managed early, peripheral artery disease can result in severe complications, including heart attack, heart disease, or stroke. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the named symptoms of peripheral artery disease and seek treatment, you can get started by calling or visiting Desert West Vein & Surgery Center today.