In the current times, people have developed bad eating and lifestyle habits. Many people eat foods that are full of cholesterol, posing many risks to an individual’s overall health. People have also developed sedentary lifestyles that put their health at risk, especially after eating a lot of cholesterol. They no longer exercise as this helps shed excessive cholesterol in their bodies. This makes them more prone to peripheral artery diseases. Suppose you are a victim of this, St. Louis peripheral artery disease center offers more treatment and information about this condition. Consult with a doctor today for the best medical care.

What is Peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease is abbreviated as PAD. It is a common circulatory problem that mainly narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs. The condition makes the legs and arms, most especially the legs, not receive the right amount of blood to maintain their demands. The following signs and symptoms characterize peripheral artery disease:

·   Leg pain, aching, and cramping when an individual is walking. This stops when an individual stops walking

·   Weaknesses and numbness in the legs

·   Tingling sensation in the feet

·   Feeling cold on one foot

·   Lack of hair or toenail growth on the affected leg

·   Ulcers in the lower side of the leg, feet, and toes

·   Shiny skin on the affected leg

Other symptoms may include pale and discolored legs or feet. A condition such as arterial ulcers needs immediate wound care as they usually don’t heal independently.

What are the main causes of peripheral artery disease?

The main cause of peripheral artery disease is atherosclerosis. These are the fatty deposits built up on the artery walls reducing blood flow. The disease usually affects the arteries that supply blood to the limbs. Other risk factors that cause the disease are:

·   Excessive smoking.

·   Diabetes.

·   Obesity. Individuals with a body mass of over 30 are more prone to the disease.

·   High blood pressure.

·   Aging also increases the risk of getting atherosclerosis.

·   A family history of the disease.

·   High levels of homocysteine and amino acid.

·   High intake of cholesterol.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

Before treatment, doctors usually diagnose the patients by using imaging such as ultrasounds. They help evaluate the arteries to determine the level of blockage. If the disease is detected earlier, a patient only needs to change their lifestyles to help improve the blood flow. In severe conditions, doctors use minimally invasive procedures to remove the blockages that hinder blood circulation. The most common procedures used in the treatment are:

·   Balloon angioplasty. This procedure uses a balloon to flatten the plaque against the arterial walls restoring blood circulation.

·   Atherectomy. During this treatment, doctors use a device to cut out the plaque, securing a proper blood flow.

·   Stenting. In some special cases, doctors use stents that take the place left after the removal of plaque. Stents make the arteries stay open, allowing proper blood flow.

In some cases, when the disease is at its advanced stage, doctors may prefer amputation or completely evade plaque that blocks the artery and muscle skin. Therefore, if you have any signs of this disease, consult a professional doctor to get the help you deserve.