Why is it Necessary to Diagnose Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Introduction

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the arteries outside the heart and brain. Most commonly, the term is used to define the narrowing of arteries to the lower body parts. According to an estimate, around 14 million people are affected by PAD, with the disease ratio almost equal in both genders.

Without timely peripheral artery disease diagnosis, individuals are at risk of severe complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and even limb amputation. Therefore, early detection is crucial for preventing these outcomes and improving overall health.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries, restricting blood flow, especially to the legs. This reduced blood flow can cause pain, numbness, and slow-healing wounds. If left untreated, PAD can lead to more severe conditions like critical limb ischemia.

Common symptoms include:

• Leg pain or cramping while walking (intermittent claudication).
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities.
• Cold feet or changes in skin color.
• Wounds on the feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all.

Furthermore, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing PAD. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aging contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. Additionally, individuals with a family history of vascular diseases should also consider peripheral artery disease diagnosis to detect the condition early.

The Consequences of Undiagnosed PAD

Many people do not realize they have PAD until the condition has significantly progressed. Delayed peripheral artery disease diagnosis can result in severe complications, including:

• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke: PAD can lead to cardiovascular diseases, as restricted blood flow increases strain on the heart. So, it is necessary to get a cardiovascular sonography early.
• Limb amputation: In advanced cases, untreated PAD can cause tissue death, requiring amputation.
• Chronic pain and mobility issues: Persistent leg pain reduces physical activity, leading to further health complications like obesity and diabetes.
• Higher risk of peripheral vascular disease: PAD is a part of the broader category of circulation issues known as peripheral vascular disease diagnosis, which can affect multiple body parts.

Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Suffering from PAD, you might suffer through a condition called ischemia. Ischemia appears when there is a lack of blood supply to the lower limbs.

The common symptom of this interrupted flow is intermittent claudication. It shows cramping in the legs and buttocks when you walk and stops immediately the time you get to rest.

This symptom occurs in around 30 to 40 percent of patients with PAD. You may also experience cold or numb limbs or hair loss Moreover; these symptoms may appear for unknown reasons.

Walking pain and cramping might result in a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lower calorie expenditure and cause weight gain. Moreover, this can raise blood pressure, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and several other heart disease risk factors.

Benefits of Early Diagnosis

Recognizing PAD early offers multiple benefits, from slowing disease progression to preventing life-threatening complications. The advantages of timely peripheral artery disease diagnosis include:

• Slowing progression: Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising, and adopting a heart-healthy diet can help manage PAD.
• Preventing severe complications: Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and amputations.
• Improving cardiovascular health: Treating PAD can enhance overall heart health, benefiting circulation and reducing stress on the arteries.
• More treatment options: The earlier PAD is detected; the more effective treatments are in managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Who Should Get Screened for PAD?

Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms of PAD, making screenings essential for at-risk individuals. Peripheral artery disease diagnosis is especially important for:

• Individuals over 50 with a history of smoking or diabetes.
• People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity.
• Those with a family history of PAD or other vascular diseases.
• Anyone experiencing leg pain, numbness, or non-healing wounds.

Routine screenings help detect PAD early, allowing for prompt intervention. People in high-risk categories should consider a pad diagnosis test to assess their vascular health.