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What Causes PAD? How to Take Preventive Action
Have you noticed pain, cramping, or numbness in your legs? Maybe your feet feel cold all the time, or wounds take a long time to heal. These are classic signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects blood flow to your lower extremities — and our focus this month.
Left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including infection, non-healing wounds, and, in the worst cases, amputation.
Fortunately, PAD is preventable, and our team of experts at Advanced Vascular Solutions in Sebastian and Melbourne, Florida, is here to show you how to keep it at bay.
What causes PAD?
In simple terms, PAD is a “plumbing problem” for your arteries. When your arteries develop clogs, blood can’t flow properly to your legs. Among several contributing factors to this condition, here are some of the most common.
Atherosclerosis (artery hardening and plaque buildup)
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates inside your arteries, stiffening and narrowing them and restricting blood flow.
Smoking
Smoking is another major contributor to PAD. The chemicals in cigarettes damage your blood vessels, making them more likely to develop plaque and narrow over time. If you’re a smoker, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your vascular and overall health.
Diabetes
People who have diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing PAD. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor circulation, slow wound healing, and the like. That’s why we encourage our diabetic patients to stay vigilant about foot care and stay on the lookout for signs of PAD.
High blood pressure
Chronic high blood pressure puts extra strain on your arteries. Over time, the damage makes your arteries more susceptible to narrowing and blockages. Keeping your blood pressure under control is crucial for preventing PAD.
High cholesterol
Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can stick to the artery walls and form plaque. If your “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) is too high, it increases your risk for atherosclerosis and PAD. A heart-healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
Carrying extra weight and not getting enough exercise can contribute to many of the risk factors above. Lack of movement slows circulation, while obesity increases inflammation, making arterial blockages more likely.
Genetics and age
Unfortunately, some risk factors are out of your control. Family history and age both make you more prone to developing PAD.
Taking preventive action
The best approach to preventing PAD is to adopt healthy habits that keep your arteries clear and your blood flowing. Let’s dive in.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, quitting immediately reduces your risk of developing PAD. It’s much easier said than done, but many resources are available to help you kick the habit for good.
Stay active
Regular exercise improves circulation and supports vascular health. You don’t have to do hours of intense cardio — walking is actually one of the best activities for preventing and managing PAD. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week.
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Did you know you can eat your way to better vascular health? Make sure you’re getting plenty of:
- Lean proteins
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
Steer clear of processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats. There are certain heart-healthy diets you can follow, including the Mediterranean diet, the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet, and plant-based diets.
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a healthy range is essential to almost every facet of your health. Regular check-ups, diet changes, and medications (if necessary) can help you do that.
Control blood sugar
If you have diabetes, managing your blood pressure can make a big difference to your vascular health. Monitor your sugar levels regularly, follow your primary care doctor’s recommendations, and stick to a diabetes-friendly diet.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to know that PAD often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe, so it’s important to recognize the warning signs early. Schedule an appointment with our experts if you experience:
- Pain or cramping in your legs while walking
- Numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs or feet
- Slow-healing sores on your legs or feet
- A change in skin color on your legs (pale or bluish)
- Poor nail or hair growth on your legs
We usually order a simple test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI) to check for blood flow in your legs. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
PAD may sound scary, but with the right lifestyle changes, it’s largely preventable. If you have risk factors for PAD, don’t wait until symptoms appear. You can request an appointment online or over the phone today. We’re eager to serve patients in Indian River and Brevard counties.
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