Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your arms and legs become narrowed. This reduces blood flow and can cause pain, coldness, and numbness in the hands and feet.

Peripheral artery disease: Peripheral artery disease is a serious health problem in which blood flow to the legs is reduced due to plaque accumulation in the arteries. In such a situation, it is very important to know about its symptoms, causes and treatment.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which arteries, especially those in the legs, become narrowed or blocked. This is usually due to a buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries. Plaque is a smooth, thick substance made up of cholesterol, fat, cells, and other substances. It makes the arteries hard and narrow, reducing blood flow

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

• Pain in the legs when walking: This is the most common symptom. The pain usually occurs in the thighs, calves or feet and gets worse when walking. The pain subsides when you rest.
• Cold feet: The affected feet may feel colder than the healthy feet. Tingling or numbness in the feet: A tingling or numbness in the feet is also a common symptom.
• Changes in the skin of the feet: The skin of the affected feet may become shiny or yellow. Hair loss may also occur.
• Sores that do not heal: There may be small sores on the feet that heal slowly or do not heal at all

Causes of peripheral artery disease

• Plaque builds up on artery walls
• Smoking damages arteries and promotes plaque buildup
• Diabetes raises blood sugar levels, which damages arteries
• High blood pressure puts pressure on arteries and promotes plaque buildup
• High cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup
• Your risk for peripheral artery disease increases as you age
  If someone in your family has peripheral artery disease, you’re at a higher risk for getting it too

Measures to prevent peripheral artery disease

• Avoid smoking, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
• Eat healthy food.
• Exercise regularly and keep your weight under control.
• It is very important to keep high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes under control.

  Note: This article provides general information only. Take these as suggestions only. Consult a doctor before implementing any such information.