Is Peripheral Artery Disease related to Heart Disease?

If you have heart disease, you have an increased risk of developing Peripheral Artery Disease. Knowing the signs and risk factors for both conditions can help you get the best treatment in the Dallas area.

Heart Disease

February is Heart Health Month, which is a good time to learn about heart disease as it is the leading cause of death for both men and women. 610,000 Americans die from heart disease each year. Knowing the risk factors for heart disease and its related conditions, including Peripheral Artery Disease, can help residents in the Northern Dallas area prevent major health problems in the future.

Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease

If you have heart disease, including a history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke, you have a one in three chance of also having PAD. Your risk for developing PAD increase if you smoke, are African American, have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It is a common condition that affects one in every 20 Americans over 50 years old.

What are the signs of Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD is caused by plaque build up in your arteries, which can reduce blood flow to your limbs. Half of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms. If you do have signs of PAD, symptoms can include:

• Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising
• Pain and aching in your muscles
• Cramping in your legs
• Weak pulse in the legs or feet

If you have concerns about pain in your legs and other PAD symptoms, schedule an appointment for an examination at North Texas Interventional Radiology today.

Dr. Handley is experienced in diagnostic angiographs that determine the extent of the disease. Minimally invasive procedures, including angioplasty and stenting, can treat PAD and help ease your symptoms.

Sources:

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall11/articles/fall11pg22.html