Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease

People often dismiss discomfort in their legs and walking difficulties, chalking it up to arthritis, aging, or minor aches and pains. But they could have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common but misunderstood and overlooked condition.

Very similar to coronary artery disease, which causes clogged arteries to the heart from high cholesterol, PAD creates fatty deposit buildup in the arteries. Since PAD doesn’t get as much attention as heart problems, people often ignore leg symptoms. The condition is serious, estimated by the American Heart Association to affect 12 million Americans over the age of 40.

PAD symptoms should never be ignored because they can lead to problems as serious as a heart attack and stroke, including loss of a limb, says Rakesh Safaya, MD, a vascular surgeon at Washington Health. Certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Safaya will explain PAD in an online presentation for the public, “Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease,” July 9 at 5 p.m. The public may watch in real time online at facebook.com/WashingtonHealth1, or at their convenience on youtube.com/@Washington_Health

Dr. Safaya will emphasize the need for awareness of PAD, and reducing unhealthy behaviors and risk factors. “When people start to have trouble walking or avoid their usual neighborhood stroll; feel heaviness, discomfort, cramping or a charley horse in their legs; have cold or numb feet; or slow-healing wounds on lower extremities, they often don’t pay much attention. They may think it’s an orthopedic issue, or the aging process,” he says.

But any leg symptom should be mentioned to a doctor, Dr. Safaya explains. He also stresses that people should know their risk factors for PAD. No. 1 is smoking, but other risk factors include a past history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, inactivity, and a family history of PAD.

Solving Risk Factors First

PAD is slow to develop, and over time, other symptoms may progress, including shiny or discolored skin, sores, and hair loss on the legs; slow-growing toenails; sleep disruption; and erectile dysfunction.

Early detection is key, he notes, and PAD can be diagnosed by a primary care provider on a routine physical. “We can pre-empt PAD from getting worse. People should mention to their PCP if they’re having leg problems, even if it’s something as simple as not feeling like taking a walk anymore.”

The first line of treatment starts by getting diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol under control, and quitting smoking.

Dr. Safaya will explain in his presentation the type of tests used to diagnose PAD, including an ankle-brachial index (ABI), and discuss healthy ABI scores.

When clots and clogged blood vessels need intervention, procedures similar to heart treatments may be indicated, including balloon angioplasty and stents to open up an artery. In very severe cases, a bypass may be needed. PAD can also affect the arms.

Avoiding Heart Attack and Stroke

It’s wise to know if someone has early signs of PAD, explains Dr. Safaya, because it may indicate the presence of other heart issues. “If arteries in the legs are clogged, those in the heart could also be at risk,” explains Dr. Safaya.

He recommends that people continue walking, staying fit, and managing weight. “People should be more aware of PAD. It’s a condition that’s just as bad as coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.”

“Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease” takes place July 9 at 5 p.m. The public may watch in real time online at facebook.com/WashingtonHealth1, or at their convenience on youtube.com/@Washington_Health