peripheral artery disease
Plaque buildup in the pelvis and leg arteries that narrow the vessels, making it harder for blood flow to those areas.
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This process is the same as heart disease, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
PAD Education
Symptoms
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Intermittent cramps in your hips, thighs, or calves with exertion and relieved by rest
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Foot wounds that won't heal
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Decreased temperature of lower extremities
Risk Factors
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High Blood Pressure
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High Cholesterol
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Age (the older you are, the higher the risk)
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Obesity
Treatment Options
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Treating risk factors to lower risk for heart attack and stroke
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Supervised Walking Program
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Medications: Cilostazol (Pletal) which increases walking distance by 40%
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Angioplasty - a balloon is inflated inside of the artery to unblock it. A stent may also be used to hold the artery open
Angiography
X-Ray imaging of blood vessels using a contrast injection
Non-Invasive Vascular
Ultrasound and pressure/ pulse volume recordings take pictures of flow
Stenting
A wire-mesh tube (Stent) props open the artery and is left there permanently