Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment in Noida, Delhi Ncr, India

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the blockage or narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the legs from the heart, caused by the build-up of fatty tissue or plaque (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis). PAD can affect any blood vessel, including those in the arms, stomach, head, and kidneys, though it commonly affects the lower limbs. PAD usually affects older individuals but can occur at any age. Symptoms include leg cramps during movement that subside with rest. Despite its high prevalence, PAD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

Most patients with PAD experience no symptoms. Symptoms, when present, result from compromised blood flow to the lower extremities and may include:

• Weakness in the legs
• Erectile dysfunction in diabetic men
• Fatigue after activities like walking
• Loss of hair on the legs
• Shiny skin on the legs
• Delayed wound healing
• Slow toenail growth
• Changes in skin temperature or thin, fragile skin on the legs and feet

Peripheral Artery Disease Causes

High cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up within artery walls, which narrows and hardens the vessels, reducing and eventually blocking blood flow and oxygen supply to the body’s cells.

Diagnosis & Peripheral Artery Disease Tests

Initial diagnosis involves a physical examination and symptom assessment. A doctor will check for leg color changes, a whooshing sound in the leg arteries, weak or absent pulses, delayed wound healing, and disrupted blood supply. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood Tests: To check for diabetes and assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Angiography: Injecting a contrast dye to visualize blood flow through arteries using X-rays, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography angiography.
• Ultrasound Tests: Doppler ultrasound can detect artery blockages.
• Ankle-Brachial Index: Compares blood pressure in the ankle with the arm using a cuff and ultrasound device.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

PAD treatment often involves symptomatic management unless more severe interventions are needed.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Weight reduction
• Diabetes control
• Regular exercise
• Healthy habits (e.g., quitting smoking)

Medications:

• Anti-Hypertensives: For high blood pressure.
• Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Statins to reduce cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes Medications: To control blood sugar levels.
• Blood Thinners: To prevent blood clots and improve blood flow.
• Symptomatic Relief: Analgesics and muscle relaxants for pain.

Surgical Options:

• Angioplasty: A catheter inflates a balloon to flatten plaque and widen the artery, sometimes using a mesh tube to prevent collapse.
• Bypass Surgery: Creates an alternative path around a blocked artery using a blood vessel from another body part or a synthetic vessel.
• Thrombolytic Therapy: Injects anti-platelet or clot-dissolving drugs to dissolve artery blockages.

Risk Factors After Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, diabetes, renal failure, and obesity. Preventive measures include a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, a balanced diet, giving up alcohol, and maintaining optimal body weight.

Complications of Peripheral Artery Disease

Complications due to reduced or absent blood flow include:

• Limb amputation
• Poor and delayed wound healing
• Severe pain in the affected extremity
• Limited mobility
• Increased risk of stroke and heart attack

Prognosis or Outlook for Patients

Early diagnosis and preventive measures can significantly improve the prognosis for PAD patients. Lifestyle changes, along with medications, can prevent PAD from occurring or progressing.

When to See a Doctor for Peripheral Artery Disease

Consult a doctor if you have:

• A family history of PAD, high cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, or heart attack
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• History of smoking
• Obesity

Last Update: Reviewed by Dr. (Prof.) Purshotam Lal, Chairman – Metro Group of Hospitals & Director – Interventional Cardiology on 12-June-2024.