PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) is a condition where blood cannot reach the arms or legs due to blockage in the blood vessels. This may result in poorly healing cuts or wounds, pain in the calves while walking or in some cases, the need for amputation. PAD is usually caused by narrowing and inflammation of the blood vessel walls. PAD is most common in people who smoke, or have one or more of the following conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and/or heart disease.
Identifying and treating people with PAD can reduce the time it takes for wounds to heal and reduce the chance of amputation. Proper treatment of PAD can also decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Common causes of PAD are tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and uncontrolled diabetes. These same risk factors that increase your risk for PAD also place you at an even higher risk for a heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is very important to talk with your doctor about how to treat and control all of your conditions that may place you at risk for PAD, heart attack or stroke.
Talk to your doctor to find out which medicines to prevent heart attack and stroke might be right for you. Your doctor may suggest some lab tests to be sure that these medicines are working well for you.
Along with medications, lifestyle choices help prevent heart attacks and strokes. The same lifestyle choices that prevent heart attack and stroke help to control cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. These recommendations are also good for you if you have PAD. It is important to:
• Quit smoking if you smoke
• Choose a variety of nutritious foods low in fat and salt
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days
• Keep your weight at a healthy level
Your doctor may recommend other lifestyle changes that are right for you.
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