Peripheral Artery Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Peripheral artery disease is a condition when there is a narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup. This plaque is formed from fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other compounds in the blood.
This disease generally attacks the feet, both on one leg and both legs simultaneously. However, even if it affects both legs, the pain is usually worse on one leg.
Symptom
There are several signs that a person with peripheral artery disease can experience:
- intermittent claudication, namely pain caused by ischemia in the muscles. Usually appears when someone is active on the part affected by the blockage. In addition to pain, symptoms of cramps or numbness can also be felt.
- the pain is felt in the same place each time and goes away after 2–5 minutes of rest.
- The most common painful event is in the calf (due to obstruction of the distal superficial femoral artery ). In addition, complaints of the thighs or buttocks are also common.
- the condition of a wound that is difficult to heal on the foot.
- there is a difference in skin color, temperature, hair growth, and nails between the two feet.
Reason
Peripheral artery disease is caused by plaque buildup. Plaque is a blockage that can be formed by fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.
Plaque buildup causes blood flow to be obstructed. Generally, this condition is found in the arteries of the legs. However, it can also be found in arteries throughout the body. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing this disease, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease, the doctor will collect information to assess the symptoms that are felt. Physical examination, especially the part that is complained of (usually the lower limbs) can include a complete examination of the legs, checking the pulse on the legs, checking the blood pressure in the legs, and checking for bruits in the abdominal and pelvic areas (using a stethoscope).
A pressure difference according to the ankle-brachial index that is less than 0.9 (normal 0.9-1.1) can indicate peripheral arterial disease. In addition, several supporting examinations may also be carried out, such as Doppler examination, angiography, and blood tests (checking risk factors for this disease, such as blood fat levels, blood sugar levels, etc.).
Treatment
Treatment for peripheral arterial disease includes several things, namely:
- Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and adopting a healthy diet.
- Controlling conditions that are risk factors for plaque buildup, such as maintaining blood pressure and controlling diabetes.
- Drug therapy such as anti-platelet and anti-lipid
- Surgery, such as placing stents, balloons, by-pass, and several other techniques.
Prevention
Plaque deposits in the blood that can cause peripheral arterial disease can be prevented by maintaining healthy blood vessels. Smoking habits are proven to make blood vessels lose their flexibility, making them more susceptible to interference – including the occurrence of blockages. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the main suggestions.
In addition, choosing healthy foods that are high in fiber, low in sugar, and low in fat is an important effort to prevent plaque from forming. Likewise with regular exercise activities which really help maintain the health of blood vessels and maintain the smooth flow of blood.