Peripheral Artery Disease – Symptoms, Signs, Effects on Smokers, Mobility Issues, Depression, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the arteries are narrowed or blocked.
These arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often causing pain, discomfort, and mobility issues. Recognizing the symptoms and signs is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.
Symptoms and Signs:
- Pain or cramping in legs or arms during exercise (claudication)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in legs or feet
- Coldness or discoloration in the legs or feet
- Sores or wounds that won’t heal
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on legs
Effects on Smokers:
Smoking is a significant risk factor for PAD, as it damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow. Smokers with PAD are more likely to experience:
- Worsening symptoms
- Increased risk of amputation
- Poorer treatment outcomes
Mobility Issues:
PAD can significantly impact mobility, making everyday activities challenging. Symptoms like claudication can limit walking distance and speed, affecting overall quality of life.
Depression:
Living with PAD can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress due to chronic pain, limited mobility, and concerns about treatment outcomes.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test
- Imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, angiography)
Whom to Meet:
If you suspect PAD, consult:
- Primary care physician
- Vascular specialist
- Cardiologist
Treatment Options:
Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, smoking cessation, diet)
- Medications (e.g., antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering medications)
- Endovascular procedures (e.g., angioplasty, stenting)
- Surgery (e.g., bypass grafting)
Arterial Doppler scan of the lower limbs.
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with PAD.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD) due to its harmful effects on blood vessels and circulation.
Here’s How Smoking Contributes to PAD:
Key Mechanisms:
- Vasoconstriction: Nicotine in tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the limbs.
- Atherosclerosis: Smoking damages the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to the buildup of plaque and narrowing of arteries.
- Inflammation: Smoking increases inflammation in the body, which can damage blood vessels and promote plaque buildup.
- Endothelial Dysfunction: Smoking impairs the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and increased blood pressure.
Consequences:
- Reduced Blood Flow: Smoking reduces blood flow to the limbs, leading to symptoms like claudication (pain or cramping in legs or arms).
- Increased Risk of PAD: Smoking increases the risk of developing PAD, particularly in people with other risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
- Worsening Symptoms: Smoking can worsen PAD symptoms, making it more challenging to manage the condition.
Quitting Smoking:
Quitting smoking is essential for reducing the risk of PAD and improving overall cardiovascular health. Quitting can:
- Improve Blood Flow: Reduce vasoconstriction and improve blood flow to the limbs.
- Slow Disease Progression: Slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of PAD complications.
- Reduce Risk of Other Diseases: Reduce the risk of other smoking-related diseases, like heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.
If you’re a smoker, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of PAD and improve your overall health. Consult with a doctor.
Nicotine:
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products. Its effects on the body include:
Short-Term Effects:
- Stimulation: Increases alertness, energy, and attention.
- Cardiovascular: Raises heart rate and blood pressure.
- Mood Alteration: Can produce feelings of relaxation or euphoria.
Long-Term Effects:
- Addiction: Nicotine’s highly addictive nature can lead to dependence.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Respiratory Issues: Can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
Quitting Strategies:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Prescription medications
- Counselling
- Support groups
If you’re trying to quit nicotine, it’s essential to have a plan and seek support.
Dr. Jan Sujith
Associate Consultant Vascular Surgery,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
கடவுளின் அருளும், டாக்டரின் கைவினையும்
என் பெயர் ஹேமாவதி. என்னுடைய வயது 79. எனக்கு 2013ல் L4, L5 அழுத்தத்தினால் இடுப்பு வலியோடு இடது கால் மறுத்துப் போனது. அதன் பின் ஆபரேஷன் செய்யாமல் மூன்று மாத ஓய்வுக்குப் பின் சிறிது குணமானது. அதன்பின் கால் கருப்பு நிறமாகவும், அரிப்பும் ஏற்பட்டு சிகிச்சை எடுத்து பலனில்லாமல் வெரிகோஸ் டாக்டரைப் பார்த்து, அவர் பரிந்துரைப்படி சாக்ஸ் போட்டு, மாத்திரைகள் சாப்பிட்டு, கிரீம்கள் போட்டும் வீக்கம், நரம்பு சுருட்டல் சரியாகாமல் டாக்டர் சேகர் அவர்களிடம் சிகிச்சை எடுத்து, நேற்று லேசர் சிகிச்சை செய்து கொண்டேன். கடவுள் அருளும் டாக்டர் சிகிச்சையும் நல்ல பலன் அளிக்கும் என நம்புகிறேன்.
We had great experience and best treatment by Dr.N.Sekar, Chief Vascular Surgeon at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai.
My wife Mrs.Thenral Manoharan after Doppler scan, CT scan diagnosed with poor blood circulation (Ischemia) in her right lower limb. Due to this she had heel pad ulcer wound with heavy pain.
Dr. Sekar performed CDT, bypass surgery and explanation of Graft.
Dr.Sekar’s commitment to patient care and innovative approach to treatment was great. He is expertise in vascular treatment and enabled my wife to get ulcer wound cure and walk normally without amputation. He saved her leg and life. After his treatment, the blood flow found normal.
He is one of the most meticulous surgeons in the field of Vascular surgeries. Dr.N.Sekar dedication to excellence and his passion for improving patient outcomes have made him most trusted and respected Vascular Surgeon in Tamil Nadu.
This is Mohammed Mubeen from Vedasandur, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu . My father (Rizwan Ahamed) leg infection and was Diabetes for few months and for that we have been to Dr. Sekar
Vascular surgeon (Kaveri hospital) for treatment , he has recovered almost now.
It’s a great honour even to write about you, most importantly the way you try to improve yourself as a better doctor on a day-to-day basis and keeping in touch with your patients is so heart touching.
I strongly believe doctor is not someone who just cure illness of the patient but also boosts the morale of the patient so that they can feel much better than ever. it was there in your treatment for sure. What else can one ask for from a doctor.
To put simple about how to express my gratitude – No one wants to see a doctor being a patient, but it’s worth to keep in contact with someone like you who is a well-established overall person.
It’s so good to see my father come back to normal, thanks for your treatment with personal care.
Thanks for your support, sir. May God bless you.
