Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when arteries become narrowed or clogged by fatty deposits, calcium, cholesterol, and other substances called plaque. Peripheral arterial disease El Paso is a group of diseases that affects the arteries in and around the lower extremities.

Peripheral arterial disease is a common type and can lead to limb loss. Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms, while others have intermittent symptoms that come and go over time.

When you have PAD, your arteries become clogged with fatty deposits. These deposits usually occur in the “wet” type of arterial disease. The arteries are said to be wet because they’re more likely to block if there’s a lot of moisture in your blood. They can also develop when you’re dehydrated or losing weight because it causes the arteries to constrict.

Wet PAD is a common form of Peripheral arterial disease, but dry PAD is less common. The two types are often confused with each other, but they’re pretty different. Wet PAD results from increased cholesterol in the blood, leading to progressive narrowing of the arteries that feed oxygen-rich blood to the legs. Dry PAD occurs when there are too few blood cells and insufficient oxygen-rich blood reaching the legs.

The most common symptom is intermittent claudication, a burning pain that occurs when your leg muscles are suddenly deprived of oxygen. It can happen as a result of minor injuries or damage to small blood vessels in the legs.

Other symptoms include:

Fluid retention (edema)

Fluid retention is the most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease, and it can be characterized as a swelling of the skin and tissues around a limb. The swelling may occur in most body parts, including the hands, feet, face, and abdomen. Narrowing the arteries for a long time blocks blood in the legs, which causes swelling. Edema can cause shortness of breath or even fatigue in limbs or legs.

Pain in lower extremities

Pain is another common symptom of peripheral arterial disease, which causes a burning sensation in the affected leg or arm. Pain often occurs when people walk up stairs or climb stairs because they have reduced blood flow to their legs due to blockages in their arteries. In addition, you may also feel pain when sitting down or standing up because your heart rate increases after standing up from sitting down (reflux phenomenon).

Skin changes

Skin changes are also common symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. They include dry skin (xerosis), itching (pruritus), and discoloration (hyperpigmentation). These skin changes can occur anywhere on the body but are most often seen on the legs and arms because they have more superficial capillary beds than other body parts.

Numbness

Numbness occurs when there is less blood flow to your limbs due to blockages caused by peripheral arterial disease. The numbness can happen anywhere with your limbs, making them feel cold or tingly and painful if you touch them. It can also make it difficult for you to feel sensations in your fingers, toes, and hands. Numbness is not as common as pain, but it is still a symptom of peripheral arterial disease, and your healthcare giver will use your GP to check it.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms highlighted above, you should consider booking an appointment with a doctor so they can examine you for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Your doctor at the i-VASCULAR Center will know the treatment options best for you.