Peripheral Artery Disease: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious health problem in which blood flow to the legs is reduced due to plaque accumulation in the arteries. In such a situation, it is very important to know about its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which the arteries, especially those in the legs, become narrowed or blocked. This is usually due to the build-up of plaque on the walls of the arteries. Plaque is a smooth, thick substance made up of cholesterol, fat, cells, and other substances. It makes the arteries hard and narrow, reducing blood flow.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

• Pain in the legs while walking: This is the most common symptom. The pain usually occurs in the thighs, calves, or feet and increases when walking. The pain subsides when resting.
• Cold feet: The affected feet may feel colder than the healthy feet.
• Tingling or numbness in the legs: Feeling tingling or numbness in the legs is also a common symptom.
• Changes in the skin of the feet: The skin on the affected feet may become shiny or yellow. Hair loss may also occur.
• Sores that don't heal: you may have small sores on your feet that heal slowly or don't heal at all

Causes of peripheral artery disease

• plaque buildup on the artery walls
• Smoking damages the arteries and promotes plaque buildup
• Diabetes increases the level of sugar in the blood, which damages the arteries
• High blood pressure puts pressure on the arteries and promotes plaque buildup
• High cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup
• The risk of peripheral artery disease increases with age
• If someone in your family has peripheral artery disease, you are at a higher risk of getting it too

Measures to prevent peripheral artery disease

• Avoid smoking, cigarettes, or alcohol consumption.
• Eat healthy things.
• Exercising regularly and maintaining your weight.
• It is very important to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.