by Rhonda Buffington

Created on: November 10, 2010   Last Updated: November 22, 2010

Reports from the US Department of Health and Human Services reveal that one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD. Peripheral Artery Disease is a condition that raises the risk of heart attack and occurs when extra cholesterol and other fats circulating in the blood collect on the walls of the arteries that carry blood to your limbs, most commonly in your legs.

Do you experience poor nail growth on your toes? Do you experience pain in your legs that wakes you from sleep? These are two common symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease. (P.A.D.)

The collection of the fats and cholesterol is plaque buildup, which causes your arteries to narrow. Plaque buildup in the legs does not always cause symptoms and people who do experience symptoms often don't report them, believing the symptoms are a natural part of aging. Early detection and treatment of P.A.D. can improve the quality of your life, reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, leg amputation and even death.

Signs and Symptoms

Cramping in the leg muscles - calf, thigh or buttocks – that occurs during walking or climbing stairs. The pain or discomfort usually goes away once the activity is stopped.

A lower temperature in one leg compared to the other leg

Poor nail growth or decreased hair growth on toes or leg

Sores or wounds on toes, feet or legs that heal slowly, poorly or not at all

Pain in the legs and/or feet that disturbs sleep

Color changes in the skin of the feet, including paleness of blueness

All of these symptoms are indications to your health care provider that something is wrong. Your doctor will need to do further investigation to find out what it is.

Risk Factors

The risk factors are very similar to those of stroke or heart disease. The risk factors for developing PAD include:

Having diabetes

Being over the age of 50

Being African American

Having high blood pressure

Having a family or personal history of vascular disease, heart attack or stroke

Having high cholesterol

Being a current smoker or having smoked in the past

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease

Treatment for P.A.D. is treated with diet, exercise and sometimes medication. It is important to have blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes under control.

It is also important to learn the facts about PAD. As with any disease, the more you understand, the better you will be able to help your doctor make an early diagnosis and start a treatment plan.

If the blood flow in one of your limbs is completely blocked, your doctor may recommend having a procedure or surgery in addition to lifestyle changes and medications. Angioplasty and bypass graft surgery will not cure PAD, but they can improve the blood circulation to your legs and your ability to walk.

By early detection and treating PAD, you can increase your mobility and lower your chances of further complications down the road.

SOURCES:

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/ heartdisease/basics/008.html

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Periph eralArteryDisease/About-Peripheral-Artery-Disease-PA D_UCM_301301_Article.jsp

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