Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory disorder in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the extremities.
When peripheral artery disease is present, the extremities - mainly the lower ones - do not receive the required amount of blood. This condition causes symptoms, especially leg pain when walking (transient lameness).
Peripheral artery disease may be a sign of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition may reduce blood flow to both the heart and brain, as well as to the lower extremities
In most cases, the disease can be cured by quitting smoking, exercising and eating healthy.
Peripheral artery disease is often caused by atherosclerosis In atherosclerosis, fatty substances (plaques) accumulate on the walls of the arteries and reduce blood flow.
Although atherosclerosis usually affects the heart, the condition can affect any artery When atherosclerosis develops in the feeding arteries of the extremities, it causes peripheral artery disease.
In rare cases, the cause of peripheral artery disease is inflammation of the blood vessel, traumatic injury to the limbs, abnormal anatomical structure of ligaments and muscles, or radiation.
Most patients with peripheral artery disease have no symptoms at all However, some patients experience lower limb pain while walking (transient lameness).
Symptoms of transient lameness include muscle pain and spasms in the upper and lower limbs. These symptoms are triggered by physical activity such as walking, although these symptoms disappear after a few minutes of rest The location of the pain is determined by the location of the narrowed or pinched artery Shin pain is the most common
Transient lameness varies in severity and may present as mild discomfort or excruciating pain. Severe transient lameness makes walking and other forms of physical activity difficult
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease:
- Painful spasms in the muscles of the thighs, hips, and shins during physical exertion, such as walking or climbing stairs
- Decreased sensation or weakness in the lower extremities
- Cold sensations in the lower extremities or ankles
In case of progression of peripheral artery disease, pain may develop even during rest and lying down (rest ischemic pain) The pain may be so severe that it disturbs the patient's sleep Hanging your legs over the edge of the bed or walking around the room may temporarily relieve the pain
When to see a doctor If you experience pain, numbness or other symptoms in the lower extremities, do not dismiss the condition as normal with age and make an appointment with your doctor
Even in the absence of symptoms of peripheral artery disease, an examination is necessary if:
- You are over 70 years of age
- You are over 50 years of age and have a history of diabetes or smoking
- You are under 50 years of age but have diabetes and other risks for developing peripheral artery disease,
