🦵 Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs.
🧬 Causes:
- Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty plaques in artery walls)
- Risk factors: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, age
🩺 Symptoms:
- Leg pain or cramping during walking or exercise (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in legs
- Coldness or color changes in lower limbs
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers on feet or legs
- Weak or absent pulses in legs or feet
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Physical exam (checking pulses)
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test to compare blood pressure in ankle and arm
- Ultrasound or angiography to visualize blood flow and blockages
💊 Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes: quitting smoking, exercise, healthy diet
- Medications to improve blood flow and manage risk factors (antiplatelets, cholesterol-lowering drugs)
- Procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore blood flow in severe cases
⚠️ Complications:
- Critical limb ischemia leading to tissue death (gangrene)
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke