Are you struggling with leg pain that worsens with activity like walking and experiencing physical signs like smooth, shiny skin that is cool to the touch, sores or ulcers, and muscle weakness? The symptoms could indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Atur Kasha DO offers diagnosis, treatment, and management of PAD symptoms, to help mitigate severe complications like developing cerebrovascular and coronary artery disease. PAD results from the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, leading to narrowing. Among the measures that can help prevent PAD or slow its progression includes:
Healthy diet
High cholesterol level is the primary culprit behind PAD. The excess fat builds up in the arteries, meaning a diet low in trans and saturated fat is recommended. The diet can help lower blood cholesterol and mitigate PAD risks. Dieting is often associated with restrictive measures. Nonetheless, it could be as easy as increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and eating less fried foods and red meat. You can complement the low-cholesterol diet with medication Infosportsworld, especially considering risk factors like a family history of high blood cholesterol. This can further lower cholesterol and mitigate the chances of PAD or manage the symptoms.
Physical activity
Physical activity like walking can help lower or reverse plaque buildup. Moreover, exercises can help condition your muscles to work well with less oxygen. Physical activity may be the least desirable measure if you are in pain caused by PAD. Nonetheless, your doctor can provide practical measures to maintain good physical activity levels and improve blood vessels’ health and muscle condition thebirdsworld. For instance, a program designed to increase your walking exercises using set rest periods can make your activities more comfortable when managing PAD symptoms.
Smoking cessation
Smoking affects blood vessels and circulation. The habit increases the risk of heart tissue damage, raises blood pressure, and lowers good cholesterol levels. Such risks increase the chances of developing or worsening PAD. Smoking cessation is among the universal health recommendations that can never be emphasized enough, especially when striving to mitigate risks associated with severe cardiovascular conditions.
Health conditions management
Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly impact your arteries. High blood pressure increases the force as blood flows which damages artery walls. The damaged arteries become less elastic, consequently decreasing blood flow. Unmanaged diabetes causes high blood glucose, damaging blood vessels and nerves associated with heart control. Diabetes is also associated with other leg complications, which can lead to surgery, including amputation.
Effective health condition management includes taking prescribed medication, maintaining recommended physical activity levels, following certain dietary measures, and lifestyle adjustments like smoking cessation and alcohol moderation. Such aspects overlap with blood cholesterol, PAD management, and overall health improvement measures, emphasizing the need to adopt the recommendations.
The top PAD risk factors are high blood cholesterol, glucose, smoking, atherosclerosis, and advancing age, mainly over 60. While aging is beyond your control, you can prevent or effectively manage PAD by adopting a healthier lifestyle, as highlighted above. Contact Desert West Vein & Surgery Center today for more on peripheral artery disease, prevention, management, and treatment.