Although peripheral artery disease cannot be reversed or cured, its progression can be halted, relieving patients of various symptoms. When a person is diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, treatment is necessary to prevent it from causing further damage.
Peripheral artery disease requires treatment because fatty plaque builds up in the arteries. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, blood vessels may narrow, weakening blood flow to extremities such as the legs and feet. Still, seeking help or treatment may prevent the disease from progressing. A doctor can determine the severity of your condition and consider treatment options.
Peripheral Artery Disease Procedures
To treat peripheral artery disease, individuals can participate in exercise programs or take medications recommended by their doctor. However, some cases require medical procedures or surgery. With angioplasty, a surgeon opens narrowed or blocked arteries by inserting a small balloon into the artery to flatten plaque. If needed, a stent may be inserted to reduce the chance of the artery narrowing again.
Bypass surgery is another common surgery for those with peripheral artery disease. This type of surgery treats those suffering from severe pain. Bypass surgery can also help heal wounds or save a damaged leg or foot if angioplasty is not successful. For bypass surgery, the surgeon uses an artificial vessel or a piece of another blood vessel from the body to create a path around the blocked artery in the leg or foot.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there are many lifestyle changes that benefit your health, especially your heart and cardiovascular system. Heart-healthy recommended changes to your lifestyle include the following:
- Take part in regular physical activity: Those who remain physically active have a reduced risk of developing the disease.
- Aim for a healthy weight: Losing even a little weight can make a difference and help you manage risk factors for the disease.
- Choose healthy foods: Select foods such as vegetables, fruits, or whole grains.
- Quit smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce lung-related health issues and other symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
- Manage stress: Improve your sleep schedule and find other ways to relax.
If you are struggling with any of the above, consider introducing these changes slowly, as it may be difficult to make all of them at once. For instance, quitting smoking might be more difficult for some, while others may not have a hard time stopping. Additionally, physical activity varies by patient and age. Even a daily walk benefits the heart. Meanwhile, individuals may take part in more strenuous exercise programs that promote heart health.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease has many risk factors. Some of the risk factors include:
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Sleeping problems
- Stress
- Unhealthy eating choices
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
Avoid the above to decrease your risk of peripheral artery disease.
Find Treatment
At Beverly Hills Vein Center, our cardiovascular specialist has significant experience performing a wide range of surgeries to help those struggling with cardiovascular health issues, including peripheral artery disease. In addition to offering a variety of treatment options for peripheral artery disease, we treat deep vein thrombosis, leg swelling, and varicose veins.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team. Our expert cardiologist can help determine the treatment best suited to your condition. Consider treatments at our center that can halt peripheral artery disease and prevent it from advancing.