Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral arterial disease, occurs when narrowed arteries reduce the amount of blood flow to your legs, most commonly, but sometimes to your arms. This narrowing is caused by fatty build up, called plaque, that clings to your artery walls. This lack of blood flow causes symptoms, though you may not notice symptoms in the early stages.

Risk Factors

Risk factors of PAD include:

• More common in men than women.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Family history.
• Heart disease.

If you think you're at risk for PAD, make these healthy lifestyle changes:

• Eat a healthier diet.
• Increase your physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure by reducing stress and taking medications as prescribed.
• Limit your alcohol.
• Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Discuss further diagnosis and treatment options, like surgery and medication, and healthy lifestyle changes with your doctor.

Call us today at 800-39-JOBST (56278) to schedule an appointment.