If you have leg pain while walking a short distance, it may be a sign of a condition called peripheral artery disease(PAD), and should get screened.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) develops only in the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
We often think of clogged artery disease as something that only happens in the heart. Yet for some people, the leg pain caused by PAD acts as an “early warning” that someone is at high risk for a heart attack or a stroke.
Peripheral artery disease symptoms may include–
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
- Leg weakness
- No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
- Painful cramping
- Skin color changes on the leg
Studies have also suggested that early vascular care intervention increases life expectancy in PAD patients.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when the arteries in your legs become narrow, usually because of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque on your artery walls. This restricts blood flow, allowing less oxygen-rich blood to reach your muscles and skin, affecting your ability to walk and heal wounds. Plaque can also rupture, leading to a blood clot that can further limit or block blood flow.
What are the risk factors for peripheral arterial disease?
– Smoking
– Diabetes
– Chronic renal failure
– Obesity
– High cholesterol and blood pressure
– Age and family history of heart disease
To schedule a free screening at a VidaVascular office in Northern Virginia (convenient to Springfield, Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, and Woodbridge), Maryland (convenient to National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Waldorf, La Plata, and Clinton), and Washington DC.,
Call us today! 866-800-2346
Visit Us at:https://www.vidavascular.com/arterial-disease/
