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Peripheral arterial disease: arterial obstruction

Peripheral arterial disease: arterial obstruction

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 05/01/2022

The peripheral arteries are responsible for the adequate flow of blood from the heart to the legs. With age, they generally accumulate plaque, which can tighten and make them rigid. The disease occurs when the peripheral arteries are too rigid and the blood flow is obstructed.

Dr. Carlos Hinojosa Becerril

peripheral venous insufficiency The arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the whole body. Peripheral arteries are dedicated to transporting blood from the heart to the arms and legs. The peripheral arteries of the legs are extensions of the larger artery of the body, the aorta. The aorta passes through the abdominal region and bifurcates in the iliac arteries of each leg. The iliac arteries, in turn, divide into smaller arteries and carry blood from the legs to the toes.

Healthy peripheral arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to flow freely to the legs and provide oxygen, glucose and other nutrients that the legs need. With age, peripheral arteries usually accumulate plaque, a viscous substance composed primarily of fat and cholesterol. The plaque narrows the passageway in the arteries and makes them rigid.

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the peripheral arteries become too narrow or become clogged, limiting blood flow to the legs. If peripheral artery disease is not treated, pain or discomfort may occur in the legs, difficulty walking, pain in the feet while you are at rest at night, sores or infections in the feet or toes that do not heal and can lead to limb loss in its most severe form. In addition, it may be associated with other serious arterial diseases that lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may not be present in the early stages of peripheral arterial disease. Symptoms that appear may include discomfort or pain in the legs when walking but not when you are at rest.

Risk factor's

Causes and risk factors include:

· Age.

· Sex: Men are more prone to disease than women.

· Hypertension (high blood pressure).

· Diabetes.

· Smoke.

· High cholesterol.

· Obesity.

· Lack of exercise.

· Family history of vascular problems.

Diagnosis and treatment

A simple noninvasive Doppler ultrasound examination can determine the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease and confirm its severity.

If you experience symptoms of peripheral arterial disease in the legs, consult a Vascular Surgeon. They are the only physicians treating vascular peripheral diseases and can now perform all available treatments, including administration of medical services, prosthesis procedures, minimally invasive endovascular angioplasty, and vascular grafting with open surgery. Only if you consult a Vascular Surgeon who can offer all types of treatment will you be assured of receiving the most appropriate medical care for your illness.

Treatments to combat peripheral arterial disease

Depending on the severity of your illness, treatment options may include changes in lifestyle, medications, endoprostheses, angioplasty, and other minimally invasive procedures, as well as vascular bypass grafting through open surgery.

Vascular surgery in Cuajimalpa de Morelos