Do You Have Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) impacts millions of people worldwide each year. So, because September is PAD Awareness Month, it’s a great time to shed light on the avoidable complications that can arise from this disease. So, in today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, shares information regarding this condition, including symptoms and risk factors.

Even if your overall health is good, you probably know someone with PAD or who displays the symptoms. And because PAD is not a condition to be taken lightly, seeking treatment early is imperative.

PAD Symptoms

• Changes in the appearance of your extremities.
• Painful cramping in the hips or legs.
• Thickening of the toenails.
• Cold feet and legs.
• Scaly, flaky, or dry skin.
• Weak pulse in feet and legs.
• Slow-healing open sores.
• Erectile dysfunction.

Are You at Risk?

The good news about PAD is that it can be treated. While anyone can get peripheral artery disease, it’s more predominant when these factors exist.

• Ethnicity: Black Americans and Hispanics have an increased risk of PAD, though the reason is unclear.
• Age: The occurrence of PAD skyrockets in older people, beginning around the age of 40 and increasing substantially at 70+.
• Diabetes and smoking: Up to 80% of patients with PAD are former or current smokers. Approximately 20-30% of people diagnosed also have diabetes.
• Poor diet: Consuming a healthier diet improves weight loss, cardiovascular health, and blood circulation.
• High cholesterol: The higher your “bad” cholesterol, the higher your chance of developing blocked arteries resulting from plaque buildup.
• Inactivity: If our legs are not moving, our circulatory system is not flowing blood from your heart to your legs and back to your heart.
• Hypertension: Prolonged high blood pressure can damage your arteries and make you more at risk for PAD. Roughly 35-55% of patients with this condition also exhibit hypertension.

PAD can sound scary, particularly when considering the symptoms you may be confronting. But luckily, it’s extremely treatable when identified early so you can lead a healthy and normal life.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of PAD, don't hesitate! Contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936. We can diagnose your condition and present you with treatment options before proceeding.