Peripheral Arterial Disease(PAD) – Ignorance is not Bliss
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) ?
Atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries supplying blood to the extremities compromise the lumen caliber and cause what we colloquially term as “poor circulation”.
PAD is widely prevalent throughout the world, numbers being on the higher side in low and middle income group countries, increasing exponentially over the last 2 decades.
What are the risk factors?
Diabetes
Smoking
Dyslipedemia – High levels of Cholesterol
Hypertension / Increased blood pressure
Obesity
Increased homocysteine levels
Symptoms?
Intermittent claudication – Calf or thigh pain after walking for a certain distance, which is relieved upon taking rest for few minutes
Rest pain – Leg pains even while at rest
Ulcer / Gangrene – Foot wound; blackish discoloration of the toes; Foot infection
Why awareness is important?
✓ PAD can cause lifestyle limiting claudication or leg pains affecting the quality of life. Ulcer or gangrene when ignored can lead to minor or major amputation causing disability.
✓ Major amputation perse in PAD has higher risk of 1 year mortality.
✓ Patients with PAD have increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke which needs to be evaluated and addressed.