ABOUT THE DISEASE
Peripheral arterial disease is the reduced circulation of blood to areas of body like arms, legs, stomach, kidneys, i.e other than the brain or heart. It is caused by a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. The main cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits that narrow a blood vessel, usually an artery. In cases of acute limb ischemia, this disease can become life threatening and may require emergency intervention.
SYMPTOMS
- • Intermittent pain (claudication), usually in the legs
- • Worsening pain during exercise, relieved on rest
- • Coldness of the affected body part
- • Numbness
- • Muscular weakness
- • Blue or purple tinge to the skin
- • Non healing wound/ ulcer
CAUSES
The Major cause is atherosclerosis that reduces blood flow to the area. Other causes include:
- Diabetes
- Obstruction – as by a blood clot (thrombus)
- Infection
- Arteritis
- Blood vessel spasms –as in Raynaud’s disease
DIAGNOSIS
- Clinical Evaluation
- Ankle/brachial index (ABI) test
- Doppler imaging
- MRA (Magnetic resonance angiogram)
- CT Angiogram
- Angiography
TREATMENT METHODS
Treatment options include:
• Medications – anti platelets, anti hypertensives, statins
• Angioplasty
• Stent placement
• Atherectomy
• Bypass surgery
• Lifestyle changes
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