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  Can Young Adults Get Peripheral Artery Disease?

    Wrinkles. Vision Loss. Dementia. There are some things we don’t expect to combat until we’re older. You probably wouldn’t think to ask about Peripheral Artery Disease at your 35-year check-up - but maybe you should.   While this common vascular disease doesn’t typically show up on your patient questionnaire until your late 50s, it can occur much earlier. More young adults than ever are showing early signs of the condition - and they experience an alarmingly poor prognosis. To help you be proactive at your next physical, here’s what you need to know about premature Peripheral Artery Disease.   What is Premature Peripheral Arterial Disease?   Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. This sticky substance causes the arteries to narrow and restricts blood flow to the extremities, especially the legs and feet. If left untreated, the condition can lead to limited mobility, limb pain and weakness, and even early death.    PAD typically occurs later in life. When symptomatic PAD occurs in patients under the age of 50, it is known as Premature Peripheral ...
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  What You Should Know About Peripheral Artery Disease

  Millions of men and women across the United States are affected by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood away from the heart, causing them to narrow and restricting blood flow. If you’ve been diagnosed with PAD or think you may be experiencing symptoms, there are a few things you should know about this common condition. One in every 20 Americans over 50 has P.A.D. In all, there are between 8-12 million cases of Peripheral Artery Disease in the United States, most of those over the age of 50. P.A.D. can affect anyone but is found most common in older patients, African-Americans and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or hypertension. It occurs most commonly in the limbs Though any peripheral artery can become blocked by plaque, it occurs most commonly in the legs and feet. It’s most commonly caused by Atherosclerosis The most common cause of Peripheral Artery Disease is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of cholesterol, fat, ...
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  5 Things to Know About Carotid Artery Disease

  A stroke is one of the most widely known - and feared - medical conditions in the world today. You probably know the F-A-S-T pneumonic to identify a stroke, aptly named for the importance of quick medical intervention. But you may not know much about carotid artery disease, the silent killer that contributes to nearly 20% of the 700,000 strokes that will occur this year. So you can be prepared, here are 5 things to know about carotid artery disease (CAD). Carotid artery disease restricts blood flow to the brain When your doctor places a hand on the side of your neck to feel for a pulse, they’re feeling your carotid artery. These major arteries are located on either side of your neck and feed blood to your head and brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when a build-up of fatty deposits known as plaque causes a blockage in your carotid artery, restricting blood flow to the brain. The first sign of carotid artery disease may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA) Carotid artery disease develops slowly and may show no noticeable symptoms until ...
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  Common FAQs About Peripheral Artery Disease

  Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common but often underdiagnosed condition that affects millions of Americans. At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, located in Mobile, Alabama, we’re committed to providing patients with the knowledge and care they need to manage PAD effectively. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about PAD to help you understand this condition and take proactive steps toward better vascular health. 1. What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, also known as atherosclerosis. This restricted blood flow often affects the legs, leading to pain, numbness, or difficulty walking. Left untreated, PAD can cause serious complications, including critical limb ischemia or an increased risk of other diseases of the arteries. 2. What are the symptoms of PAD? The most common symptom of PAD is claudication, which is pain or cramping in the legs while walking or exercising, usually relieved by rest. Other symptoms include numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness in one leg compared to the ...
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  Signs You Suffer From Peripheral Artery Disease

  For most of us, diseases are diagnosed because we experience common symptoms. Chest pain? It’s likely Coronary Disease. Kidney dysfunction? Let’s test for Renal Disease. Some diseases, like Peripheral Artery Disease, are much harder to diagnose because their symptoms are mild or nonexistent. Almost half of those with Peripheral Artery Disease have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Of those who do, symptoms can be so mild that they are attributed to natural aging or are easily ignored. Because of this, many patients have Peripheral Artery Disease for years before being diagnosed. Since P.A.D. causes fatty blockage in the arteries that can restrict blood flow, it’s important to catch it early to prevent serious or even life-threatening consequences. There are a few common signs to watch for that may indicate a vascular disease like P.A.D. If you suffer from any of the below conditions or are at high-risk for the disease, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Intermittent Claudication The most common sign of P.A.D. is also one of the most confusing. Intermittent Claudication refers to pain ...
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  Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease

  Hearing the words, “you have Peripheral Artery Disease” can be scary. As plaque builds up in the arteries, they begin to narrow and blood has a harder time flowing to important areas of the body. While a serious disease that requires prompt treatment, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) has several treatment options that can manage the disease, treat your symptoms, and keep your arteries and blood flow working properly. Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment Options If you have PAD, your doctor will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. It’s important to remember that which treatment option will work best for you depends on the severity and location of your PAD, as well as your unique health needs. Some patients may see excellent results from lifestyle changes alone, while others need additional (or different) types of care. Lifestyle Changes For mild PAD sufferers, lifestyle changes may be enough to slow or even halt the progression of your disease. Commonly prescribed lifestyle changes include: Stop smoking Exercise regularly Eat a healthy diet that’s low in fats and cholesterol Manage underlying conditions like diabetes ...