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| You are here: Preventive | PAD | |||||||||||||||||||
| PAD – Peripheral Arterial disease | |||||||||||||||||||
| Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing of arteries that results in poor blood flow to arms and legs. When you walk or exercise, your leg muscles do not get enough blood and you can get painful cramps. It is also an indicator of heart disease. 12 million people suffer from this disease. | |||||||||||||||||||
Symptoms |
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Decreased leg strength and poor balance | ||||||||||||||||||
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Cold and numb feet or toes | ||||||||||||||||||
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Sores that are slow to heal | ||||||||||||||||||
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Foot pain when resting | ||||||||||||||||||
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Erectile Dysfunction | ||||||||||||||||||
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Pale Feet and toes | ||||||||||||||||||
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Loss of hair on the feet and toes |  |
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Blue or purple marks on the legs, feet, or toes | ||||||||||||||||||
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Ulcers on the feet or toes | ||||||||||||||||||
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Gangrene infection | ||||||||||||||||||
Causes |
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The most common cause of peripheral arterial disease is the buildup of plaque on the inside of arteries. Plaque is made up of excess cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in your bloodstream that, over time, build up along the inner walls of the arteries, including the arteries that feed your legs. |
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Risk Factors |
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High blood pressure | ||||||||||||||||||
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Smoking | ||||||||||||||||||
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High cholesterol | ||||||||||||||||||
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Substanc abuse | ||||||||||||||||||
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Poor diet | ||||||||||||||||||
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Heart disease | ||||||||||||||||||
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Diabetes | ||||||||||||||||||
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Sedentary lifestyle | ||||||||||||||||||
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Obesity | ||||||||||||||||||
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Family History | ||||||||||||||||||
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Age | ||||||||||||||||||
PAD Preventive Screening Information |
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| A painless Ankle Brachial Indiex (ABI Index) is done by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm while a person is at rest. The ABI index is ratio between the pressures in arms and legs will identify most cases of PAD. | |||||||||||||||||||
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