Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a group of disorders that affects the arteries of the legs and feet. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood away from your heart to your body’s organs and back again. If you have PAD, your arteries may become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. That can lead to reduced blood flow through the affected blood vessels. Peripheral arterial disease El Paso can occur at any age but is more common in those over the age of 50 years.
Peripheral arterial disease can cause pain in the legs, feet, hands, and arms. It can also cause dizziness, numbness, and muscle cramps (spasms). As a result of these symptoms, you may find it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. The most common causes of peripheral arterial disease include:
Hypercoagulability
Hypercoagulability is a condition in which the blood fails to clot properly. That may cause the blood to clog up in your veins and arteries. If this continues, it leads to poor circulation and causes peripheral arterial disease. The condition can eventually cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty substances accumulate on the inner surfaces of arteries, forming a plaque. This buildup can cause the arteries to narrow, restricting blood flow to the heart and other organs. Atherosclerosis can occur in multiple locations within an artery. A thrombus, or blood clot, can form in an atherosclerotic plaque, typically resulting in thrombosis. Atherosclerosis may also cause aneurysms, dilated veins that have weakened walls and are prone to rupture and hemorrhage blood into circulation.
Vascular injury
Vascular injury is a common cause of peripheral arterial disease. The term vascular refers to the blood vessels, which are the structures that carry blood throughout your body. A minor accident, such as a fall, can cause damage to the blood vessels, resulting in peripheral arterial disease. Fluid overflow can also lead to vascular injury. Fluid overload can occur with diabetes, kidney failure, or pregnancy. It causes swelling in your legs and feet, which may trigger the formation of clots in your arteries. Clots can block blood flow to the area causing damage to those tissues.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure puts extra pressure on the arteries and increases their workload. Many people with PAD have high blood pressure, which means they’re at higher risk of further narrowing their arteries.
Diabetes
Diabetes strains your body’s blood vessels because it causes them to become less able to tolerate high glucose levels (sugar). That can make them more likely to develop atherosclerosis (hardening).
It’s essential to see your doctor if you have any symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. The earlier you get treatment for PAD, the better your chances of maintaining normal blood flow in your legs. Also, the earlier you get treatment, the more likely you’ll benefit from medications to improve circulation and reduce swelling in your legs. Contact Desert West Vein & Surgery Center and request an appointment with a doctor to discover more about the peripheral arterial disease.
