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Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease
Oct 13, 2024
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Lecture Notes
Definition and Causes
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):
A common circulatory condition where peripheral arteries are narrowed, reducing blood flow.
Commonly Affected Area:
Lower limbs.
Major Cause:
Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup (lipids, fibrous tissue, calcium) in arteries.
Less Common Causes:
Sudden artery block by blood clot or embolus.
Blood vessel inflammation, injury, unusual anatomy of ligaments or muscles.
Symptoms and Effects
Ischemia:
Reduced blood flow impact is significant during physical activities.
Intermittent Claudication:
Pain or tired feeling in legs during walking, relieved by rest.
Other Symptoms:
Loss of color and cold feet, especially when elevated.
Lack of toenail and hair growth.
Pain Location:
Depends on site of obstruction; calf is most common.
Advanced Stage:
Critical Limb Ischemia
Pain during rest, slow or non-healing ulcers, tissue death, gangrene.
Increased risk of limb loss.
Acute Limb Ischemia:
Sudden block of blood flow, usually due to embolism or thrombosis. Considered a medical emergency.
Risk Factors
Factors increasing atherosclerosis risk also increase PAD risk.
PAD patients may also have coronary or carotid artery disease.
Diagnosis
Based on symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and tests.
Physical Exam:
Look for weak pulses, whooshing sounds, poor wound healing.
Blood Tests:
Evaluate cholesterol, triglyceride, blood sugar levels.
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) Test:
Compares blood pressure in ankle and arm.
ABI < 0.9 indicates PAD.
Imaging Procedures:
Identify affected arteries.
Treatment
Goals:
Relieve symptoms, restore blood flow, prevent atherosclerosis progression.
Options:
Lifestyle changes and exercise programs.
Medications.
Procedures to open or bypass arterial blockages.
Objective:
Reduce risk of limb loss, heart attack, and strokes.
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