Living with peripheral arterial disease in El Paso and having tired legs may be a warning symptom of a heart attack. PAD is one of the more misdiagnosed illnesses in which the arteries get clogged and do not enable enough oxygen-rich blood to circulate throughout the body. However, millions of people in America choose to disregard the seriousness of this sickness, with disastrous consequences for those who do not treat peripheral artery disease and tired legs.

Heavy and weak legs

Heavy and weak legs occur due to a shortage of oxygen caused by arterial plaque build-up causes weakness in the lower limbs. Although smokers, overweight persons, and those with a congenital heart defect are more prone to develop PAD, the syndrome can affect people who are not in any high-risk group. Most individuals have some leg artery blockage beyond 45, but PAD is a blockage that puts the entire circulatory system in danger. When the legs get heavy, walking becomes difficult

If left unchecked, peripheral artery disease can make it tough to carry out and enjoy daily activities, but it also puts your life in danger. According to the American Heart Association, those with peripheral artery disease are four to five times more prone to heart attack or stroke. This is because atherosclerosis affects the entire cardiovascular system, which many individuals are unaware of. To avoid a potentially fatal condition, you must address peripheral vascular disease and tired legs as soon as possible.

Causes of PAD

Peripheral artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is defined by the accumulation of fatty deposits on the arterial walls, which reduces blood flow. Although most talks about atherosclerosis center on the heart, the disease can impact arteries throughout the body. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, renal disease, heart disease, and stroke are risk factors for atherosclerosis. Researchers believe that smoking is the most dangerous of all the risk factors for atherosclerosis because it narrows the arteries and increases the probability of a blood clot forming. Anyone who smokes should stop, especially with these accompanying risk factors. Peripheral artery disease happens when it occurs in the arteries that carry blood to your limbs. PAD can also be attributed to the following factors: blood vessel inflammation, limb injury, atypical ligament or muscle structure, or radiation exposure.

Treatment

The primary goals of treatment for peripheral artery disease are as follows:

  • Manage symptoms like leg pain so you can continue physical activity. 
  • Limit your risks of having a heart attack or a stroke by delaying the progression of atherosclerosis throughout your body.

You may achieve these goals with lifestyle adjustments, especially if you are diagnosed with peripheral artery disease early enough. If you smoke, the most critical thing you can do to lower your chance of issues is to quit. According to a program, supervised exercise training, walking, or doing other exercises regularly can significantly relieve your symptoms.

Your leg pain could be caused by peripheral vascular disease, resulting in more severe consequences. Call i-VASCULAR center or schedule your appointment online for more information about peripheral vascular disease.

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