Most people have heard that heart attacks are caused by blockages in the coronary arteries. However, in the body there are two types of arterial system. One is the coronary artery system, associated with the heart, and the other is the peripheral arterial system, which carries oxygenated blood to the arms, legs, brain, and rest of the body.

“Just like the coronary arteries, peripheral arteries can become diseased,” says Dr. Michelle Barsoom, a cardiologist and vascular physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Rice Lake, Wisconsin. . “This condition, called peripheral artery disease (PAD), causes fat and calcium to build up in the arterial walls, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.”

This can cause lameness, which causes muscle pain and cramping during activity, which usually goes away after a few minutes of rest.

Risk factors for peripheral artery disease

“So who is at risk for peripheral artery disease? People of all ages, smokers and people with diabetes are most at risk,” Dr. Barsoom says.

Other risk factors include:

• BMI is 30 or more.
• Family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Aging, especially if you are over 65 years old.

Symptoms include:

• Pain or cramps in the arm when knitting, writing, or doing other manual tasks.
• The legs and arms change color.
• My lower legs and feet feel cold even after walking on a warm day.
• Pain in your toes, feet, or legs that won’t go away.
• The pulse in the legs becomes weak.
• Erectile dysfunction in men.
• Hair loss on legs.

“When the neck arteries to the brain are affected, symptoms can include difficulty speaking, weakness in the arms and legs, and decreased vision,” says Dr. Barsoom. “If you experience any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to see a vascular specialist. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a health history.”

The test involves finding the pulse in the affected neck artery and comparing it to the pulse in the unaffected neck artery. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your vascular medicine specialist has a wide range of tools available to help you get back to the activities you love.

For example, if you experience only mild pain after walking a few blocks, you may be prescribed medications such as aspirin, statins, or blood thinners. We may also discuss ways to improve your risk factors, such as quitting smoking. Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes management. and increase activity levels.

If there are more serious symptoms, such as unbearable pain when walking, the vascular specialist usually orders an ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT scan, or even an angiogram to determine the location and extent of the blockage. Masu. Your care team will discuss various surgical options to address the blockage.

“Prevention of peripheral artery disease is always the best treatment,” says Dr. Barsoum. “Quit smoking, eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, keep your blood sugar levels in check if you have diabetes, maintain a healthy weight, and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”

Additionally, avoid using certain over-the-counter cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine if you have one or more risk factors. These drugs can constrict blood vessels and worsen symptoms.