Word On Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Our grateful thanks to the Circulation Foundation for their contribution to our radio report, which you can hear again at the bottom of this page - you can link through to the charity via our links page.  

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. It is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerosis, inside the arteries. PAD can develop slowly over time and, in many people, symptoms may go unnoticed in the early stages.

Because PAD affects circulation, it can increase the risk of serious health problems including heart attack, stroke and, in severe cases, limb damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.

What Are The Symptoms? One of the most common symptoms of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs when walking, which usually eases with rest. This is known as intermittent claudication. Other symptoms may include:

• Cold feet or lower legs
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Slow-healing sores or ulcers on the feet or legs
• Changes in skin colour or shiny skin on the legs
• Reduced hair growth on the legs and feet
• Weak or absent pulse in the feet

Some people with PAD experience no symptoms at all, which is why awareness is so important.

Who Is Most At Risk? Several factors increase the likelihood of developing PAD. These include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Being overweight or physically inactive
• Increasing age, particularly over 60
• A family history of cardiovascular disease

Smoking and diabetes are among the strongest risk factors because they damage blood vessels and reduce healthy circulation.

How Can PAD Be Prevented? Many cases of PAD can be prevented — or its progression slowed — through healthy lifestyle changes. These include:

• Stopping smoking
• Taking regular exercise, especially walking
• Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and salt
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Attending regular health checks if you are at higher risk

Even modest improvements in lifestyle can significantly improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

How Is PAD Diagnosed? Healthcare professionals may assess symptoms, examine the legs and feet, and carry out a simple circulation test known as the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm.

Further scans or imaging tests may sometimes be needed to assess blood flow and identify narrowed arteries.

Treatment Options. Treatment for PAD focuses on improving circulation, reducing symptoms and lowering the risk of complications. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include:

• Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and increasing exercise
• Medication to reduce cholesterol, control blood pressure or prevent blood clots
• Supervised exercise programmes
• Procedures to widen blocked arteries, such as angioplasty and stenting
• Surgery in more advanced cases

Early treatment can help many people remain active and reduce the risk of more serious cardiovascular disease.

When To Seek Medical Advice. You should speak to a healthcare professional if you experience persistent leg pain when walking, wounds that are slow to heal, or any unexplained changes in your feet or legs. Early assessment can make a significant difference.

Listen to this weeks radio report