Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when the arteries in the extremities (arms, legs, and feet) become blocked or narrow. This narrowing is usually caused by plaque buildup, which is made up of fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. PAD can lead to decreased blood flow to the extremities, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. PAD can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and amputation.
But as an individual who might be experiencing the symptoms, it is a must to know about the causes as well. In this article, we will help you to know about the causes of peripheral artery disease in detail. Let’s have a look!
10 Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease:
There are several causes of Peripheral Artery Disease and these are as follows:
1. Blood vessel inflammation:
Blood vessel inflammation is a cause of peripheral artery disease. The inflammation narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. This can cause pain, cramping, and fatigue. It can also lead to ulcers and gangrene.
2. Injury to the arms or legs:
Injury to the arms or legs is a cause of peripheral artery disease. When the arteries are damaged, they can no longer carry blood to the extremities. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. If the condition is severe, it can lead to tissue death. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the damaged arteries.
3. Changes in the muscles or ligaments:
One of the causes of peripheral artery disease is changes in the muscles or ligaments. This can cause the arteries to become narrow or blocked, which can reduce blood flow to the limbs. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected limb. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to tissue death and amputation.
4. Radiation exposure:
Radiation exposure is a cause of peripheral artery disease. This was first reported in cases of workers in the nuclear industry who were exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. The link between radiation and peripheral artery disease has also been seen in people who have had medical procedures that use radiation, such as x-rays and angiograms. The mechanism by which radiation causes peripheral artery disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to damage the endothelial cells that line the arteries, leading to inflammation and the formation of plaques.
5. Family history of peripheral artery disease, heart disease or stroke:
If you have a family history of peripheral artery disease, heart disease, or stroke, you are at increased risk for developing peripheral artery disease. While you may not be able to change your family history, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet can all help to reduce your risk of developing peripheral artery disease. If you have a family history of the condition, it’s important to be extra vigilant about taking care of your health.
6. High blood pressure:
High blood pressure is a cause of peripheral artery disease. The increased pressure in the arteries caused by high blood pressure can damage the artery walls, which can lead to the formation of plaque. Plaque can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow to the limbs.
7. High cholesterol:
High cholesterol is a common cause of peripheral artery disease, which is a condition that occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your limbs. Plaque is a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow your arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. This can lead to peripheral artery disease, which can cause pain, numbness, and cramping in your legs and feet.
8. High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine:
High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine are a cause of peripheral artery disease. This is because homocysteine can damage the lining of blood vessels, making them more likely to become blocked. This can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow or block them. This can cause a range of problems, including pain, numbness, and cramping in the legs. It can also lead to problems with blood flow to the heart and brain, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
9. Increasing age, especially after 65:
As we age, our arteries naturally become narrower and less flexible. This process, called atherosclerosis, happens more quickly in some people than others. A variety of factors can contribute to the speed at which atherosclerosis progresses, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. Over time, atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that narrows and hardens the arteries in the legs and feet.
10. Obesity (a body mass index over 30):
Obesity (a body mass index over 30) is a cause of peripheral artery disease. This is because obese individuals have more fat deposits in their arteries, which narrows the arteries and decreases blood flow. This can lead to peripheral artery disease, which is a condition that causes the arteries to harden and narrow and can lead to serious health problems.
Whom to Approach?
If you are looking for the best interventional radiologist in Jaipur for peripheral artery disease diagnosis, then you should definitely consult with Dr. Nikhil Bansal. He is one of the most experienced and reputable interventional radiologists in Jaipur and has been treating patients with this condition for many years. He has a very high success rate in treating this condition and his patients are always very satisfied with the results.
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Peripheral arterial Disease : पैरों में दर्द से हो सकती है इस बीमारी की शुरुआत!
What is the best treatment for peripheral artery disease?
FAQ: Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
Q. 1 What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?
Ans: Symptoms of PAD can include pain in your legs or hips when walking or climbing stairs, numbness or weakness in your legs or feet, and coldness in your lower limbs.
Q. 2 Who is at risk for developing peripheral artery disease?
Ans: Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of the condition.
Q. 3 How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?
Ans: A physical examination and blood tests can help your doctor diagnose PAD. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is in use to confirm the diagnosis.
Q. 4 How is peripheral artery disease treated?
Ans: Treatment for PAD typically includes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly. Medications, such as aspirin or cholesterol-lowering drugs, may also be recommended. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Q. 5 What are the long-term complications of peripheral artery disease?
Ans: If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, such as limb amputation, heart attack, or stroke.