It often results from the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries and is a common problem; Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to the extremities and organs such as the heart and brain. If a person suffers from the peripheral arterial disease, especially in the lower extremities, he is not getting enough blood to meet what is required of him. We record that more than 200 million people in the world suffer from the peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities.
symptoms:
One of the main symptoms is joint pain and/or cracks in the legs and arms caused by physical activity, which disappear after a few minutes of rest. We are talking about intermittent claudication here. But there are other symptoms:
Painful cramps in the joints of the buttocks, thigh, or back of the leg after exertion such as walking or climbing stairs.
Knee numbness or joint weakness.
The sensation of coldness in the lower leg or foot, as opposed to the other side of the body.
Wounds that do not heal on the toes, feet, or legs.
Leg discoloration.
Hair loss or growth disturbance (sluggishness in the feet and legs).
Absence or weakness of the pulse in the legs and feet.
the reasons:
The peripheral arterial disease often results from atherosclerosis. As fat stores build up in the arterial walls, blood flow decreases. Since the heart is the first organ to be damaged by atherosclerosis, this disease can affect arteries throughout the body, affecting the organs and extremities.
In rare cases, PAD can be caused by vasculitis, a wound, or a disorder of a ligament or muscle anatomy. There are also other factors that contribute to the emergence of the disease, such as:
High cholesterol level.
Hypertension.
Tobacco addiction.
Lack of movement
overweight.
diabetes sugar
Possible complications:
If your peripheral arterial disease is caused by atherosclerosis, you are also more likely to have:
Critical extremity ischemia: This disease begins with the appearance of open wounds that do not heal, with inflammation or inflammation in the feet or legs. Critical ischemia occurs when these wounds develop, causing tissue death (gangrene), sometimes requiring amputation of the affected limb.
Stroke and heart attack: The hardening of the arteries that causes PAD symptoms doesn’t stop just in the legs. Fat deposits build up in the arteries that supply the heart and brain, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
How do we prevent peripheral arterial disease?
This disease can be prevented only if it is diagnosed in time. If you suffer from it or want to protect yourself from its appearance, you should introduce some changes in your life such as:
Monitor your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes.
To stop smoking.
Exercise regularly for at least thirty minutes a day, such as walking.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Stay well hydrated (about two liters of water per day).
Make sure your diet is varied and balanced and favors the good fats found in olive oil, avocado, flax, almonds, or even fish and green vegetables.