Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a form of vascular illness that limits blood circulation to one’s limbs, particularly the legs. However, in some rare cases, PAD develops in the arms. This condition results from the accumulation of plaque in the arteries and affects millions of Americans, especially the elderly population. Left untreated, this condition can lead to poor circulation, heightened risk of gangrene, stroke, amputation, or sometimes cause death. Understanding the risk factors for Peripheral Artery Disease Frisco is important because it allows you to seek treatment early before more serious symptoms arise. Here are some of the common risk factors.
1. Age
Aging is a significant risk factor for peripheral artery disease. As with numerous other health concerns, aging makes you vulnerable to illnesses. Unfortunately, you cannot stop the aging process. Therefore, as you age, you should consider PAD screening, regardless of whether you have obvious symptoms.
Often, patients might not experience any symptoms or might dismiss the warning signs as a symptom of normal aging. Besides, the PAD screening is hugely non-invasive, so there is no reason to miss your screening.
2. African Decent
Ethnic background is another non-modifiable risk factor for peripheral artery disease. If you are African, you are significantly more susceptible to developing PAD than persons from other ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, if you are an elderly African American, it is advisable to have a PAD screening.
3. Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension makes you vulnerable to numerous cardiovascular-related diseases, including PAD. Although everybody experiences surges in blood pressure, for instance, during exercise or stressful periods, prolonged hypertension could cause PAD. Therefore, if you have hypertension, consult your physician about what you can do to keep it under control.
4. Smoking
Smoking is undoubtedly harmful to your general health, which includes raising your risk of PAD. The earlier you cease smoking, the better your chances of avoiding the likelihood of suffering from this condition, as well as other diseases.
5. Poor Cholesterol Levels
High levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol could result in constricted arteries, which is a significant cause of PAD. Therefore, you should always keep your cholesterol levels in check. Besides, you should monitor another kind of body fat known as triglycerides. Having high levels of this fat could also make you vulnerable to PAD.
6. Type II Diabetes
Type II Diabetes is a condition that could cause a lot of harm to your circulatory system over time. Therefore, it is unsurprising that it is also a risk factor for peripheral artery disease. If you are diabetic, monitoring your blood sugar levels and adhering to your doctor’s diet recommendations and other measures can keep you from suffering from PAD or worsening symptoms.
7. Family History
If your parent, sibling, or another close relative had vascular disease, your likelihood of suffering PAD is higher. Thus, being familiar with your family history could be beneficial as you can better watch out for warning signs of the illness and avoid other associated risk factors.
Although there are numerous risk factors for Peripheral Arter Disease, understanding what they are and learning how to avoid them is crucial. Most risk factors are manageable with a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, and exercise. However, if you suspect you already have PAD, you should seek a consultation immediately. A prompt diagnosis is crucial to successfully treating and managing this illness. Despite how overwhelming it might be, you should not worry about the diagnosis as numerous minimally intrusive PAD care solutions are available that do not need surgery.