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In the United States, more than eight million Americans suffer from peripheral artery disease. P.A.D. is caused by the same risk factors that lead to heart disease. Those at risk include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. P.A.D. is a common and treatable disease that is on the rise among midlife and older Americans. However, it is still largely unknown, often unrecognized, and regarded by many as an inevitable consequence of aging. P.A.D. is a serious disease. One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D. It occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque. The buildup causes the arteries to harden, a condition known as atherosclerosis. When the arteries in the legs are hardened and clogged, blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced. P.A.D. is commonly seen in the arteries in the legs, but it can affect other arteries outside the heart, including those that lead to the brain, arms, kidneys, and stomach.
You are at risk for P.A.D. if you: • Are over the age of 50 • Smoke or have smoked • Have diabetes • Have high blood pressure • Have high blood cholesterol • Have a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke • Are African American. • People under the age of 50 with diabetes and one other cardiovascular risk factor are also at risk.
It is important to know that P.A.D. does not always present symptoms. In fact, many of those with P.A.D. do not experience obvious symptoms. For some people, the first sign of P.A.D. is claudication, which can feel like fatigue, heaviness, tiredness, cramping, or pain in the leg muscles. This discomfort occurs during activity such as walking and promptly goes away at rest. Many times, people think this pain is just a natural part of aging and do not tell their health care providers. However, leg discomfort can be a sign that the leg arteries are already clogged. Symptoms of more severe cases of P.A.D. include foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep. Lifestyle changes that may include taking medications may lower the risk of developing P.A.D. and other vascular diseases. Lifestyle changes have the added benefit of improving your overall health and lowering your risk for many other diseases.
Taking these steps can help lower your risk for P.A.D.: • Do not smoke, or if you do, ask your health care provider to help you come up with an immediate plan to quit. • If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol, talk to your health care provider about the best ways to manage and improve your condition. • Maintain a healthy weight, make wise food choices, and get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. Talk to your health care provider about the best diet and exercise plan for you. Most health care providers will recommend a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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