Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is another condition which affects the legs and will keep seniors from being on the move and enjoying life to its fullest. This disease is more serious than Restless Leg Syndrome and can be life-threatening.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral Artery Disease is the most common of the Peripheral Vascular Diseases for those over 50 years of age. It is a progressive form of artherosclerosis, affecting arteries, veins, and lymph vessels. PAD affects one's ability to walk. Left untreated, it increases risk for stroke and heart attack. It can lead to gangrene, amputation of limbs, and death.

Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Pain in the hips, thighs, calves, or in one or both legs when walking, climbing steps, or exercising is the most common symptom. Pain will lessen if movement is halted. There may also be rest pain, especially at night, when toes and feet cause discomfort due to inadequate circulation. Pain (called gravity or circulation pain) may increase if legs are elevated. Lowering the legs often relieves the pain. There may also be edema or swelling in the legs. Other common symptoms are numbness, tingling, and leg weakness. PAD affects both men and women, though women usually present fewer symptoms.

Risk Factors

Risk factors increase with age over 50 and again for those over 70 years of age. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, low activity, family history, and especially diabetes are causitive factors.

Diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease

Early screening for PAD is important. An Ankle Arm Pressure Index, also known as an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), is performed to screen for PAD and its plaque buildup of the arteries supplying the lower extremities. The ABI helps to define the severity of the disease and is a powerful predictor of a higher risk for heart disease. Its stages range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to limb-threatening conditions. Results of this screening are given in two catagories: normal and abnormal.

To perform an ABI, a trained technician attaches special blood pressure cuffs around the upper arms and ankles, listens to the blood flow using an ultrasound stethoscope, and compares the pressures in the feet and arms. If there is poor circulation in the leg, further testing such as a Treadmill Exercise Test, for example, should be done to search for a blocked artery.

Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease

Sometimes lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, and giving up smoking are enough to stem the progress of the disease. In other cases medications may be needed. Trental and Pletal are two FDA approved drugs for PAD. Another medication, Cilostazol, is useful in increasing tolerance for walking. Your doctor can prescribe these medicines if they are right for you. Another treatment option is walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes or so a day. Angioplasty is sometimes used for treatment as is bypass surgery. Research is ongoing for other medications and treatment options.

The copyright of the article Peripheral Artery Disease in Senior Fitness is owned by Virginia Marin. Permission to republish Peripheral Artery Disease in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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