Blood circulation is like the fuel system of your body. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to every part, keeping you healthy and full of energy. But what happens when this system doesn’t work properly? Poor circulation can result in serious health issues, including peripheral vascular disease (PVD). If it’s not treated, it can cause pain, swelling, and even life-threatening complications.

Fortunately, there are ways to enhance blood circulation and lower your risk of peripheral vascular disease. By making small but effective modifications in your daily habits, you can keep your blood vessels healthy and ensure smooth blood flow. Let’s explore how.

What Is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and How It Affects Blood Flow?

Peripheral vascular disease happens when the blood vessels other than the heart and brain become narrow or blocked. This mainly affects the arteries that carry blood to your legs and arms. The most common reason is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

When your arteries become narrow, blood struggles to flow properly. This can lead to pain, cramps, numbness, and delayed wound healing, particularly in the legs. In severe cases, it may even result in tissue damage or infections that require medical attention.

The Link between Poor Circulation and PVD-Related Complications

Poor circulation doesn’t just make your hands and feet feel cold—it can have serious health effects. Without proper blood flow, your tissues don’t get enough oxygen, leading to complications such as:

• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Non-healing wounds or ulcers
• Increased risk of infections
• Nerve damage due to prolonged lack of oxygen
• Severe cases may even lead to gangrene, which could require amputation

This is why it’s important to take steps to improve blood circulation and prevent peripheral vascular disease from worsening.

Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Blood Circulation and Reduce PVD Risk

Making a few changes in your daily routine can help your blood vessels stay healthy and improve circulation. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay Active: Exercise is a great way to boost circulation. Walking, cycling, yoga, and swimming can help keep your arteries clear and blood flowing smoothly.   
• Quit Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels, making them stiff and narrow. Quitting smoking can considerably decrease your risk of peripheral vascular disease.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts pressure on your blood vessels, leading to circulation problems. A balanced diet and regular exercise can assist in keeping your weight in check.
• Manage Stress: High-stress levels can impact our blood vessels and increase your risk of circulation issues. Try meditation, deep breathing, or relaxation techniques.

Dietary Habits for Healthy Circulation and Vascular Health

What you eat plays an important role in keeping your blood vessels strong and healthy. Here are some dietary tips to improve blood circulation:

• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they help protect your arteries from damage.       
• Choose Healthy Fats: Replace unhealthy fats with good fats found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.    
• Reduce Salt Intake: High salt consumption can increase blood pressure and harm your arteries.   

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep your blood thin and flowing smoothly.
• Increase Fiber Intake: Whole grains, beans, and lentils help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and avert plaque buildup.

Medical Treatments and Therapies for PVD and Poor Circulation

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical treatments may be necessary to manage peripheral vascular disease. Some common options include:

• Medications: Doctors may prescribe medicines to improve blood flow, reduce clotting, or control cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Physical Therapy: Supervised exercise programs can help improve circulation and reduce symptoms of PVD.
• Angioplasty: In severe cases, a balloon/stent is inserted into the artery to open up blocked blood vessels.
• Surgical Procedures: Certain surgical surgeries may be recommended if the blockage is severe and affects blood flow significantly.

Recognizing the Signs of Worsening PVD and Circulation Problems

It’s important to monitor your body for signs that your circulation is getting worse. Some warning signs include:

• Increasing leg pain, especially while walking or at rest
• Slow-healing wounds or ulcers on your feet
• Cold or numb feet and toes
• Skin colour changes (pale, bluish, or reddish skin)
• Weak or no pulse in the legs

If you observe any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

Preventing Peripheral Vascular Disease and Improving Blood Circulation Long-Term

Prevention is always better than cure. To keep your blood vessels healthy in the long run:

• Follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Get regular health check-ups to detect any issues early.

By taking these steps, you can decrease your risk of peripheral vascular disease and enjoy better overall health.

Conclusion

Good blood circulation is vital for a healthy life. Peripheral vascular disease can cause serious complications, but with the proper lifestyle choices and medical care, you can keep your blood flowing smoothly. Simple habits like exercising, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking can make a big difference. If you experience any symptoms of poor circulation, don’t ignore them—act early to protect your health and well-being.

References:

[1]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17604-vascular-disease#:~:text=Like%20the%20blood%20vessels%20of,and%20possibly%20damaging%20the%20artery.

[2]https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease#:~:text=What%20are%20possible%20complications%20of,likely%20in%20people%20with%20PVD)

[3]https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20skin%2C%20including,Thickened%2C%20opaque%20toenails

Have you ever felt a strange pain in your legs while walking that eases up when you rest? This could be a sign of something more than just tired muscles. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that many people have but are unaware of. This article explores the basics of peripheral artery disease, its risk factors, potential complications, and simple steps you can take to protect your arteries.

What is Peripheral artery disease?^[1]

This is a condition where the arteries, which supply blood to the limbs, become narrowed or blocked. This happens due to a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque. When these arteries are narrowed, blood flow to the legs and other extremities is reduced, causing pain and other symptoms. The legs are the most commonly affected areas, leading to pain while walking, known as claudication.

Risk Factors for Peripheral artery disease[1]

a. Lifestyle Factors

• Smoking: The chemicals in tobacco have the potential to damage the blood vessels. This makes it easier for plaque to build up and narrow the arteries.
• Diet: A poor diet that is high in saturated fats, trans fats, and bad cholesterol can be one of the reasons behind the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might help to reduce the risk.
• Physical Inactivity: Regular physical activity helps to maintain healthy blood flow and keeps the arteries well, helping them function and keeping disease at bay.

b. Health Conditions

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels might damage the blood vessels and contribute to plaque build-up.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure puts extra strain on the arteries, which can lead to the damage and narrowing of these blood vessels.
• High Cholesterol: Plaque formation can also occur due to elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of peripheral artery disease.

c. Demographic Factors^[2]

• Age: Older adults are more likely to develop this condition due to the natural hardening of the arteries over time.
• Gender: Men are usually at a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease than women. However, postmenopausal women also face a significant risk.
• Family History: A family history of peripheral artery disease or other cardiovascular diseases can increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

Complications of Peripheral artery disease^[2]

• Critical Limb Ischemia: This is a severe condition where the blood flow to the limbs is significantly reduced, causing severe pain and potentially leading to sores or ulcers that takes time to heal.
• Stroke and Heart Attack: There is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack as this condition affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart and brain.
• Infections: Reduced blood flow can impair the healing of wounds and inadvertently increase the risk of infections.
• Amputation: In severe cases, the lack of blood flow might lead to tissue death and the need for amputation of the affected limb.

Prevention of Peripheral artery disease^[2]

a. Lifestyle Modifications

• Quitting Smoking: Stopping smoking can significantly improve vascular health and reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is necessary as it helps maintain healthy arteries and reduces the risk of plaque build-up.
• Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, improves circulation and overall vascular health.

b. Managing Health Conditions

• Diabetes Management: Blood sugar levels should be kept under control to reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes.
• Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining healthy blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication helps protect the arteries from damage.
• Cholesterol Management: Keeping cholesterol levels in check through diet, exercise, and medication can prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.

c. Regular Check-ups

• Importance of Routine Health Screenings: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect peripheral artery disease early and manage any risk factors effectively.
• Discussing Symptoms Early: Reporting any symptoms, such as leg pain or numbness, to a healthcare professional can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Peripheral artery disease might sound intimidating, but understanding it is the first step towards taking control of your health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—start making healthier choices today. If you have any concerns, make sure to consult a healthcare professional and get regular check-ups.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/about-peripheral-artery-disease-pad#:~:text=Peripheral%20artery%20disease%20is%20similar,to%20the%20legs%20and%20feet.
[2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease

In India, diabetes is a widespread health issue affecting millions. According to WHO, about 77 million adults have type 2 diabetes [1]. But did you know that diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar? Many are unaware of its link to other conditions, like peripheral vascular disease (PVD). PVD impacts blood vessels outside the heart and brain, and when combined with diabetes, it can lead to severe complications. Find out how diabetes and PVD are connected and how you can manage both conditions effectively.

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease? ^[2]

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects the blood vessels, especially in the legs and feet. In PVD, arteries narrow or get blocked due to fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the limbs. This can cause pain, cramps, and sores that take longer to heal. If not treated, PVD can lead to serious problems like infections, tissue damage, or even amputation in severe cases. PVD is more common in people with other health conditions, including diabetes.

The Connection Between Diabetes and PVD [3]

Diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are closely connected because diabetes also affects blood vessels. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessel lining, making it easier for fatty deposits to form and block the arteries, especially in the legs and feet. This is a key feature of PVD. People with diabetes are more likely to develop PVD since their blood vessels are more vulnerable to damage. High blood sugar also slows down the body’s ability to heal wounds, increasing the risk of complications from PVD.
Both diabetes and PVD get worse over time if not properly managed. The reduced blood flow caused by PVD can make it harder for diabetes-related foot problems, like ulcers, to heal. This can lead to infections. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Common Symptoms Linking Diabetes and PVD ^[3]

People with both diabetes and peripheral vascular disease often experience similar symptoms, especially in the legs and feet. Some common signs to watch out for include:

• Leg pain or cramping – This can happen during activities like walking and is called claudication. It occurs because the muscles are not getting enough blood flow.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet – This may result from nerve damage caused by both diabetes and PVD, making it harder to feel injuries or infections.
• Slow-healing sores – Wounds, especially on the feet, may take longer to heal due to poor blood flow and high blood sugar levels.
• Coldness in the lower legs or feet – This is a sign of poor circulation caused by peripheral vascular disease.
• Shiny or discoloured skin – Poor blood flow can change the appearance of the skin, especially in the lower legs and feet.

If any of these symptoms are present, it is always recommended to seek medical advice early to prevent further complications.

Risk Factors & Complications ^[3]

Several factors can raise the chances of developing both diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. These include:

• High blood pressure – It puts extra pressure on blood vessels, making them more likely to get damaged.
• High cholesterol – Too much cholesterol can cause fatty deposits in the arteries, leading to PVD.
• Smoking – Smoking harms blood vessels and greatly increases the risk of PVD, especially in people with diabetes.
• Obesity – Being overweight adds strain on blood vessels, raising the risk of both diabetes and PVD.
• Sedentary lifestyle – Not being physically active can lead to poor circulation, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. This also increases the risk of PVD.

If not managed properly, complications from diabetes and PVD can be serious. Poor circulation from PVD can cause infections, slow-healing wounds, and, in severe cases, gangrene, which might require amputation. Additionally, people with both conditions have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Preventive Measures for Diabetes and PVD ^[3]

• Blood sugar control – Keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level is crucial to avoiding complications from diabetes, including peripheral vascular disease.
• Regular exercise – Being physically active helps improve blood circulation and lowers the risk of PVD by promoting healthy blood vessels.
• Healthy diet – Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar can help stop fatty deposits from building up in the arteries.
• Quit smoking – Smoking is a big risk factor for both diabetes and PVD. Quitting can greatly reduce the chances of complications.
• Foot care – For diabetics, taking care of your feet is important. Checking your feet regularly for wounds or sores and getting treatment quickly can prevent serious problems.

Conclusion

It’s clear that diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are more connected than many realise. But here’s the good news—by staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can manage both conditions effectively. Remember, the key is catching the signs early and taking control.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/mobile-technology-for-preventing-ncds
[2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diabetes-peripheral-vascular-disease#treatments

Have you ever felt like stress is taking a toll on your health? You’re not wrong. Stress affects more than just your mind; it can have severe consequences on your body, too, especially when it comes to peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Peripheral vascular disease, a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, can be worsened by chronic stress. But how exactly does stress impact this condition, and what can you do to manage it? Let’s explore the connection between stress and peripheral vascular disease and discover practical ways to improve your vascular health through effective stress management.

How Stress Affects Vascular Health

Stress responses in the body are natural reactions designed to protect us in dangerous situations. However, chronic stress might lead to various health problems, including peripheral vascular disease. When we experience stress, our bodies tend to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure[1]. While this response is beneficial in short bursts, prolonged stress can cause significant harm to vascular health.

Stress Responses

When stress triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, it causes the blood vessels to constrict, leading to higher blood pressure. This increased pressure on the vascular system can damage the inner lining of the arteries. This makes them more susceptible to plaque buildup_^[2]. Over time, this can contribute to the development and worsening of peripheral vascular disease.

Long-term Effects

Chronic stress can lead to persistent inflammation in the body[3], which is a risk factor for peripheral vascular disease. Inflammation can cause damage to the vascular walls. This in turn promotes plaque formation and increases the risk of thrombosis (blood clots). These clots might obstruct blood flow and lead to complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

Stress and PVD Risk

Several studies have highlighted the link between stress and an increased risk of developing peripheral vascular disease. Individuals experiencing high levels of stress are more likely to develop PVD compared to those with lower stress levels[4]. This underscores the importance of effective stress management strategies to prevent and manage peripheral vascular disease.

Stress Triggers and Symptoms in PVD

Understanding the triggers and symptoms of stress in individuals with peripheral vascular disease is crucial for effective management. Stressors can be both emotional and physical, each contributing to the worsening of PVD.

• Emotional stressors such as job pressure, family issues, and financial worries can significantly impact vascular health^[5]. These stressors lead to increased cortisol levels, promoting inflammation and vascular damage.
• Physical stressors, including sleep deprivation and poor diet, can also worsen the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease^[6][7]. Lack of sleep can increase blood pressure, while a poor diet can lead to the accumulation of unhealthy fats in the blood vessels.

Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease to Watch For^[8]

Individuals with peripheral vascular disease should be aware of the symptoms that might indicate increased stress levels affecting their condition.

• Intermittent claudication, characterized by pain and cramping in the legs during physical activity, is a common symptom.
• Changes in skin colour, such as paleness or a bluish tint, can also indicate poor blood flow.
• Additionally, non-healing ulcers or sores on the legs and feet are critical signs that stress may be worsening the condition.

Managing Stress to Improve Vascular Health^[9]

Effectively managing stress is important for improving vascular health and preventing the progression of peripheral vascular disease. Several strategies can help reduce stress and its impact on vascular health.

• Exercise: Regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health.
• Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduces inflammation. Avoid excessive salt, oily & processed foods.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Professional Help: Seek therapy for chronic stress. Cognitive-behavioural therapy offers effective coping strategies.
• Healthcare Providers: Consult healthcare providers for personalized stress reduction and treatment adjustments for optimal vascular health.

Wrapping It Up

Stress plays a significant role in the progression of peripheral vascular disease. Understanding the impact of stress and implementing effective management strategies can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with PVD.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
[2] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2171#:~:text=Studies%20suggest%20that%20the%20high,plaque%20deposits%20in%20the%20arteries.
[3]https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/stress-affects-your-heart#:~:text=%E2%80%9CLong%2Dterm%E2%80%94or%20chronic,heart%20rhythms%2C%20and%20heart%20failure.
[4]https://newsroom.heart.org/news/work-related-stress-linked-to-increased-risk-for-peripheral-artery-disease#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20that%20people%20with,age%2C%20sex%20and%20lifestyle%20variables.
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/insufficient-sleep-tied-to-increased-risk-of-a-condition-that-may-lead-to-stroke#Using-genetic-data-to-study-PAD-risk
[8]https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/peripheral-vascular-disease
[9] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2171#:~:text=Get%20plenty%20of%20exercise&text=Exercise%20can%20help%20to%20improve,reduced%20physical%20response%20to%20stress.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/stress-and-high-blood-pressure/art-20044190
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fight-or-flight-response-2795194#:~:text=These%20hormones%20cause%20the%20sympathetic,blood%20pressure%2C%20and%20breathing%20rate.
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/work-related-stress-linked-to-increased-risk-for-peripheral-artery-disease
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/peripheral-vascular-disease

Introduction

Experience of any sharp pain or numbness in your legs after an extended period of sitting, painful cramps or aching in your hips, thighs, or calf muscles common and frequent after any physical activity, or coldness in lower feet, are signs of blockages in the arteries of the lower extremities. The condition is known as peripheral artery disease. As per reports, it is common, with nearly 41 to 54 million[1] estimated cases in India and nearly 4.2.to 6.2 million[1] people are afflicted by critical limb ischemia. According to the American Heart Association statement, approx. two hundred million people suffer from arterial blockages of the extremities worldwide.

The alarming statistics and the rising cases of other complications associated with arterial blockages in diabetic patients and people with smoking and alcohol consumption and/or obesity raise more significant concern for its stringent preventive measures and prompt and effective address.

The blog discusses the condition of arterial blockages, its causes, symptoms, and the treatment options for its effective control and management.

Peripheral Artery Disease- Its Causes and Symptoms 

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) results from the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the peripheral arteries as well extremities, commonly the legs. The lack of oxygenated blood supply due to the narrowing of the arteries causes ischemic pain. The causes of arterial blockages are-

• Atherosclerosis – Plaque (fatty deposits) buildup over time results in the narrowing of the arteries, interrupting the blood supply to the peripheral arteries.
• Thrombosis– A clotting of the blood in the narrowed artery is one of the reasons for arterial blockages.
• Embolism– A condition of blocked artery caused by a blood clot or an air bubble in which the smooth flow of blood to the artery is interrupted, leading to an insufficient supply of oxygen. This causes pain, cramps, and other related symptoms of PAD.

Symptoms of PAD

People with PAD may not experience any symptoms until they become severe, which could at times adversely affect the heart health of the patient, if left unaddressed. This is so because PAD shares many common risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking with heart disease.

The main symptom of PAD is claudication, where the person experiences flared cramping and pain in the legs and thighs when walking and subsides when at rest. The other symptoms include coldness in feet, numbness, tingling, or slow healing or unhealing of wounds.

Treatment for PAD

Preventing diseases and related complications is the best way to live a healthy life and enrich your quality of life. People with PAD are at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases and chances of stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related issues. Treatment for PAD requires rigorous and stringent healthcare precautions and aggressive lifestyle modifications.

Self-care and medications

A healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, management and control of comorbidities through medications, effective stress management, regular checkups, and monitoring through routine tests go a long way in preventing PAD and other related complications.

Surgical and non-surgical approaches

After the color doppler test, ankle-brachial index and vascular ultrasound test, the healthcare provider decides whether the patient needs surgical intervention to treat PAD. The severity of the condition is the primary and deciding factor for surgical intervention with other anatomical and health conditions of the patient.

Vascular Surgery

Known as open surgery or bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a new path around the blocked artery, using the healthy blood vessels from the other part of the patient’s body. This is known as grafting. The blood flows through the new path, bypassing the blocked artery.

During this bypass surgery, the patient is put on general anesthesia to keep them comfortable. The surgeon makes incisions to access the arteries and veins. The surgeon may use healthy veins like the saphenous veins (superficial veins in the legs), cephalic veins (veins from the arm), femoral veins (from thighs in case of more extensive artery grafting) from the patient’s body or use a synthetic material for grafting when natural healthy veins cannot be used. The surgeon sews the bypass in place and closes the incisions.

Endovascular Interventions

Atherectomy- It is a minimally invasive procedure to remove plaque from blocked arteries. During the procedure, the healthcare provider uses a sharp blade or laser attached to the tip of the catheter to cut or scrape out the hard plaque. The atherectomy could be Excisional (the blade cuts the plaque in one direction), Orbital (the plaque gets removed with a spinning tool), Rotational (the blade cuts the plaque in a rotating movement), or Laser ablation (the plaque is removed using laser) atherectomy.

Angioplasty – To treat any blood vessel damage, the interventional healthcare professional accesses them through minimal invasiveness. In endovascular intervention, the healthcare professional usually makes a tiny incision in the groin to gain access to the damaged arteries. Using the X-ray real-time images, the catheter, with a balloon attached, is guided to the damaged artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, pushing the plaque to the sides of the arterial walls, and paving the way for the uninterrupted flow of the blood.

In the case of angioplasty, the healthcare professional implants a stent, clearing the passage for the blood to flow in the affected artery. A stent, a small mesh tube, keeps the artery open for blood flow. Once the stent is placed, the balloon is deflated, the catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.

Apart from treating peripheral arteries, these stents are widely used to treat various artery blockages, like the coronary, renal, and carotid arteries.

Angioplasty has been gaining acceptance as a standard of care for treating blocked arteries due to its minimal invasiveness, resulting in less pain and tissue scarring, faster healing and recovery, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normalcy.

Conclusion

There are many risk factors common between PAD and heart disease; hence, effective control and management of one help to prevent the incidence of the other. PAD with other conditions of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity puts the patient at a higher risk of heart disease. Rigorous, consistent, and aggressive lifestyle changes are a must for its prevention. However, in severe cases, where self-care, medications, lifestyle changes, and other alternate treatment modalities do not offer the desired results, surgical and non-surgical treatment options should be resorted to for timely and effective treatment.

The choice of the medical treatment option depends on the healthcare professional’s decision, arrived at after considering the severity of the condition, the age, anatomy, and overall health of the patient. Surgical and non-surgical treatment help repair the damage to the artery by removing the blockages. However, one must own responsibility toward one’s health and adhere to the doctor-recommended diet plan, exercise regime, and recovery plans, and quit smoking and tobacco consumption post-treatment for healthy living.

References

https://journals.lww.com/cmii/fulltext/2020/18030/endovascular_therapy_in_vascular_surgery___how.2.aspx#:~:text=41%E2%80%9354%20million%2C%20with%20an%20estimated%204.2%E2%80%936.2%20million%20patients%20of%20critical%20limb%20ischemia
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/06/15/routine-tests-may-reduce-disparities-in-peripheral-artery-disease-and-amputation-risk
https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/what-is-peripheral-arterial-disease-pad/#:~:text=According%20to%20an%20International%20organization,built%20up%20in%20the