Heart Attack a Complication of Peripheral Artery Disease

Heart attack sufferers could have any number of heart disease problems which could invoke an attack. One condition called peripheral artery disease may not directly affect the heart but it surely does count as a contributing factor to heart disease. Also known as PAD, peripheral artery disease affects the arteries, the same blood vessels that bring oxygenated blood into the heart as well as require the heart to pump the blood through them to get to the rest of the body. If there is a blockage or slow blood flow, all sorts of problems can occur.

Defining peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects the circulatory flow mainly due to the narrowing of the arteries, a condition which lessens the blood flow to your arms, legs and other extremities. Your legs often take the worst of the problem so you may feel as if you were walking on pins and needles.

The presence of PAD also suggests that you have quite a few fatty deposits circulating in your arteries hindering blood flow causing atherosclerosis. Not only would your brain be starving for oxygen but also the legs, brain and other body parts. Early diagnosis is the best thing that could happen to you as treatment for PAD could halt or at least greatly hinder the progression of it. Lowering risk of stroke and heart disease is also a goal.

Signs of PAD

You may not display any signs or symptoms of PAD but at least 10-20% of PAD sufferers do feel leg pain on occasion when moving around and walking. The tingling pain sensation is usually accompanied by cramping and muscle pain. Regular exercise such as walking could make pain worse but you will notice it goes away when you are just relaxing. Doctors say that the location of any leg pain is of utmost importance due to the fact it could be pinpointing the location of a possible blood clot.

Some people experience excruciating pain while others are barely bothered by it at all. You may have PAD if you experience hurtful cramping in the calf, hip and thigh muscles so soon after or during exercise like stair climbing or walking. Leg weakness or numbness may occur as could a sensation of cold temperatures in the foot or lower half of the leg. Other signs of PAD include problems with your toenails and loss of hair on the legs.

Treatment options

Treatment for PAD usually starts with revamping your lifestyle with healthy eating plans, exercise and lowering stress. Medications may also be necessary to prevent blood clots in arteries, specifically those around the heart. The goal is to lower cholesterol in the blood so as to prevent blood clots from traveling throughout your body as accidentally causing stroke, heart attack, aneurysms and more.

The good news is that if you revamp your diet and add exercise to your daily routine, you can greatly reduce your chances of a heart attack. Quitting smoking, regulating your blood sugar and limiting your alcohol consumption can make strides in preventing peripheral artery disease.