Remember the days when walking a few blocks was no big deal? Now, it leaves your legs feeling sore and tired. It’s easy to dismiss this pain as just another sign of aging, but it could indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
PAD affects an estimated 8-12 million Americans. It occurs when plaque (made up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in your blood) builds up on the artery walls, reducing blood flow to the limbs. Without treatment, it can have serious consequences, including heart attack, stroke, and limb amputation.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, our board-certified surgeons and skilled practitioners are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of peripheral vascular disease, including PAD.
Stay active and pain-free by taking control of your circulatory health. Keep reading to explore five key risk factors for PAD and learn how to prevent this common yet serious condition.
The chemicals in cigarettes directly damage your arteries, making them stiffer and less flexible. This damage can contribute to atherosclerosis, which causes your arteries to harden and narrow due to plaque buildup.
Smoking also reduces your blood oxygen level, essentially starving your limbs of vital nutrients. Because your muscles need oxygen to function, a lack of it makes PAD symptoms like pain and cramping in your legs (claudication) much worse, particularly during activity.
If you use tobacco in any form, quitting is the best thing you can do for your vascular health. Talk to a member of our team — we can help you find a method that works.
The high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can impact blood vessels throughout the body, including the arteries that supply your arms and legs. Diabetes also changes the consistency of your blood, making it thicker and more prone to clotting.
Managing your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and proper medication is essential for lowering your risk of developing PAD.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts a constant strain on the walls of your arteries. Over time, they weaken and become more susceptible to damage and plaque buildup, accelerating the development of PAD.
Reduce your risk by adopting healthy lifestyle adjustments and controlling your blood pressure. This typically includes exercising regularly, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet that’s low in sodium.
Cholesterol itself isn’t bad for you — your body needs some to function correctly. The problem arises when you have too much “bad" cholesterol, also called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol can stick to the walls of your arteries, contributing to plaque buildup. This plaque accumulation narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing your risk of PAD.
You can improve your vascular health by lowering LDL levels while increasing HDL (or “good”) cholesterol levels. To achieve this, avoid saturated and trans fats (often found in processed foods and red meat) and include more sources of soluble fiber in your diet, like oats and beans. Regular exercise also helps lower LDL and raise HDL.
While PAD can technically occur at any age, the risk increases as you get older. It’s because your arteries naturally become less flexible and more prone to plaque buildup over time.
About 5% of Americans over 50 have PAD, and for those over 50 with diabetes, that number jumps to 33%. While you can’t stop the clock, you can focus on managing other risk factors that are within your power to change.
If you experience leg pain, especially during exercise, or have concerns about PAD, schedule an appointment at Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, online or by phone. We have multiple convenient locations in the greater Baltimore, Maryland, area and offices in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware.
