Have you ever felt a strange pain in your legs while walking that eases up when you rest? This could be a sign of something more than just tired muscles. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that many people have but are unaware of. This article explores the basics of peripheral artery disease, its risk factors, potential complications, and simple steps you can take to protect your arteries.

What is Peripheral artery disease?^[1]

This is a condition where the arteries, which supply blood to the limbs, become narrowed or blocked. This happens due to a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque. When these arteries are narrowed, blood flow to the legs and other extremities is reduced, causing pain and other symptoms. The legs are the most commonly affected areas, leading to pain while walking, known as claudication.

Risk Factors for Peripheral artery disease[1]

a. Lifestyle Factors

• Smoking: The chemicals in tobacco have the potential to damage the blood vessels. This makes it easier for plaque to build up and narrow the arteries.
• Diet: A poor diet that is high in saturated fats, trans fats, and bad cholesterol can be one of the reasons behind the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might help to reduce the risk.
• Physical Inactivity: Regular physical activity helps to maintain healthy blood flow and keeps the arteries well, helping them function and keeping disease at bay.

b. Health Conditions

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels might damage the blood vessels and contribute to plaque build-up.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure puts extra strain on the arteries, which can lead to the damage and narrowing of these blood vessels.
• High Cholesterol: Plaque formation can also occur due to elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of peripheral artery disease.

c. Demographic Factors^[2]

• Age: Older adults are more likely to develop this condition due to the natural hardening of the arteries over time.
• Gender: Men are usually at a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease than women. However, postmenopausal women also face a significant risk.
• Family History: A family history of peripheral artery disease or other cardiovascular diseases can increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

Complications of Peripheral artery disease^[2]

• Critical Limb Ischemia: This is a severe condition where the blood flow to the limbs is significantly reduced, causing severe pain and potentially leading to sores or ulcers that takes time to heal.
• Stroke and Heart Attack: There is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack as this condition affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart and brain.
• Infections: Reduced blood flow can impair the healing of wounds and inadvertently increase the risk of infections.
• Amputation: In severe cases, the lack of blood flow might lead to tissue death and the need for amputation of the affected limb.

Prevention of Peripheral artery disease^[2]

a. Lifestyle Modifications

• Quitting Smoking: Stopping smoking can significantly improve vascular health and reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is necessary as it helps maintain healthy arteries and reduces the risk of plaque build-up.
• Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, improves circulation and overall vascular health.

b. Managing Health Conditions

• Diabetes Management: Blood sugar levels should be kept under control to reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes.
• Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining healthy blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication helps protect the arteries from damage.
• Cholesterol Management: Keeping cholesterol levels in check through diet, exercise, and medication can prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.

c. Regular Check-ups

• Importance of Routine Health Screenings: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect peripheral artery disease early and manage any risk factors effectively.
• Discussing Symptoms Early: Reporting any symptoms, such as leg pain or numbness, to a healthcare professional can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Peripheral artery disease might sound intimidating, but understanding it is the first step towards taking control of your health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—start making healthier choices today. If you have any concerns, make sure to consult a healthcare professional and get regular check-ups.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/about-peripheral-artery-disease-pad#:~:text=Peripheral%20artery%20disease%20is%20similar,to%20the%20legs%20and%20feet.
[2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease

In India, diabetes is a widespread health issue affecting millions. According to WHO, about 77 million adults have type 2 diabetes [1]. But did you know that diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar? Many are unaware of its link to other conditions, like peripheral vascular disease (PVD). PVD impacts blood vessels outside the heart and brain, and when combined with diabetes, it can lead to severe complications. Find out how diabetes and PVD are connected and how you can manage both conditions effectively.

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease? ^[2]

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects the blood vessels, especially in the legs and feet. In PVD, arteries narrow or get blocked due to fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the limbs. This can cause pain, cramps, and sores that take longer to heal. If not treated, PVD can lead to serious problems like infections, tissue damage, or even amputation in severe cases. PVD is more common in people with other health conditions, including diabetes.

The Connection Between Diabetes and PVD [3]

Diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are closely connected because diabetes also affects blood vessels. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessel lining, making it easier for fatty deposits to form and block the arteries, especially in the legs and feet. This is a key feature of PVD. People with diabetes are more likely to develop PVD since their blood vessels are more vulnerable to damage. High blood sugar also slows down the body’s ability to heal wounds, increasing the risk of complications from PVD.
Both diabetes and PVD get worse over time if not properly managed. The reduced blood flow caused by PVD can make it harder for diabetes-related foot problems, like ulcers, to heal. This can lead to infections. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Common Symptoms Linking Diabetes and PVD ^[3]

People with both diabetes and peripheral vascular disease often experience similar symptoms, especially in the legs and feet. Some common signs to watch out for include:

• Leg pain or cramping – This can happen during activities like walking and is called claudication. It occurs because the muscles are not getting enough blood flow.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet – This may result from nerve damage caused by both diabetes and PVD, making it harder to feel injuries or infections.
• Slow-healing sores – Wounds, especially on the feet, may take longer to heal due to poor blood flow and high blood sugar levels.
• Coldness in the lower legs or feet – This is a sign of poor circulation caused by peripheral vascular disease.
• Shiny or discoloured skin – Poor blood flow can change the appearance of the skin, especially in the lower legs and feet.

If any of these symptoms are present, it is always recommended to seek medical advice early to prevent further complications.

Risk Factors & Complications ^[3]

Several factors can raise the chances of developing both diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. These include:

• High blood pressure – It puts extra pressure on blood vessels, making them more likely to get damaged.
• High cholesterol – Too much cholesterol can cause fatty deposits in the arteries, leading to PVD.
• Smoking – Smoking harms blood vessels and greatly increases the risk of PVD, especially in people with diabetes.
• Obesity – Being overweight adds strain on blood vessels, raising the risk of both diabetes and PVD.
• Sedentary lifestyle – Not being physically active can lead to poor circulation, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. This also increases the risk of PVD.

If not managed properly, complications from diabetes and PVD can be serious. Poor circulation from PVD can cause infections, slow-healing wounds, and, in severe cases, gangrene, which might require amputation. Additionally, people with both conditions have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Preventive Measures for Diabetes and PVD ^[3]

• Blood sugar control – Keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level is crucial to avoiding complications from diabetes, including peripheral vascular disease.
• Regular exercise – Being physically active helps improve blood circulation and lowers the risk of PVD by promoting healthy blood vessels.
• Healthy diet – Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar can help stop fatty deposits from building up in the arteries.
• Quit smoking – Smoking is a big risk factor for both diabetes and PVD. Quitting can greatly reduce the chances of complications.
• Foot care – For diabetics, taking care of your feet is important. Checking your feet regularly for wounds or sores and getting treatment quickly can prevent serious problems.

Conclusion

It’s clear that diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are more connected than many realise. But here’s the good news—by staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can manage both conditions effectively. Remember, the key is catching the signs early and taking control.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/mobile-technology-for-preventing-ncds
[2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diabetes-peripheral-vascular-disease#treatments

Have you ever felt like stress is taking a toll on your health? You’re not wrong. Stress affects more than just your mind; it can have severe consequences on your body, too, especially when it comes to peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Peripheral vascular disease, a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, can be worsened by chronic stress. But how exactly does stress impact this condition, and what can you do to manage it? Let’s explore the connection between stress and peripheral vascular disease and discover practical ways to improve your vascular health through effective stress management.

How Stress Affects Vascular Health

Stress responses in the body are natural reactions designed to protect us in dangerous situations. However, chronic stress might lead to various health problems, including peripheral vascular disease. When we experience stress, our bodies tend to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure[1]. While this response is beneficial in short bursts, prolonged stress can cause significant harm to vascular health.

Stress Responses

When stress triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, it causes the blood vessels to constrict, leading to higher blood pressure. This increased pressure on the vascular system can damage the inner lining of the arteries. This makes them more susceptible to plaque buildup_^[2]. Over time, this can contribute to the development and worsening of peripheral vascular disease.

Long-term Effects

Chronic stress can lead to persistent inflammation in the body[3], which is a risk factor for peripheral vascular disease. Inflammation can cause damage to the vascular walls. This in turn promotes plaque formation and increases the risk of thrombosis (blood clots). These clots might obstruct blood flow and lead to complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

Stress and PVD Risk

Several studies have highlighted the link between stress and an increased risk of developing peripheral vascular disease. Individuals experiencing high levels of stress are more likely to develop PVD compared to those with lower stress levels[4]. This underscores the importance of effective stress management strategies to prevent and manage peripheral vascular disease.

Stress Triggers and Symptoms in PVD

Understanding the triggers and symptoms of stress in individuals with peripheral vascular disease is crucial for effective management. Stressors can be both emotional and physical, each contributing to the worsening of PVD.

• Emotional stressors such as job pressure, family issues, and financial worries can significantly impact vascular health^[5]. These stressors lead to increased cortisol levels, promoting inflammation and vascular damage.
• Physical stressors, including sleep deprivation and poor diet, can also worsen the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease^[6][7]. Lack of sleep can increase blood pressure, while a poor diet can lead to the accumulation of unhealthy fats in the blood vessels.

Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease to Watch For^[8]

Individuals with peripheral vascular disease should be aware of the symptoms that might indicate increased stress levels affecting their condition.

• Intermittent claudication, characterized by pain and cramping in the legs during physical activity, is a common symptom.
• Changes in skin colour, such as paleness or a bluish tint, can also indicate poor blood flow.
• Additionally, non-healing ulcers or sores on the legs and feet are critical signs that stress may be worsening the condition.

Managing Stress to Improve Vascular Health^[9]

Effectively managing stress is important for improving vascular health and preventing the progression of peripheral vascular disease. Several strategies can help reduce stress and its impact on vascular health.

• Exercise: Regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health.
• Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduces inflammation. Avoid excessive salt, oily & processed foods.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Professional Help: Seek therapy for chronic stress. Cognitive-behavioural therapy offers effective coping strategies.
• Healthcare Providers: Consult healthcare providers for personalized stress reduction and treatment adjustments for optimal vascular health.

Wrapping It Up

Stress plays a significant role in the progression of peripheral vascular disease. Understanding the impact of stress and implementing effective management strategies can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with PVD.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
[2] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2171#:~:text=Studies%20suggest%20that%20the%20high,plaque%20deposits%20in%20the%20arteries.
[3]https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/stress-affects-your-heart#:~:text=%E2%80%9CLong%2Dterm%E2%80%94or%20chronic,heart%20rhythms%2C%20and%20heart%20failure.
[4]https://newsroom.heart.org/news/work-related-stress-linked-to-increased-risk-for-peripheral-artery-disease#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20that%20people%20with,age%2C%20sex%20and%20lifestyle%20variables.
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/insufficient-sleep-tied-to-increased-risk-of-a-condition-that-may-lead-to-stroke#Using-genetic-data-to-study-PAD-risk
[8]https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/peripheral-vascular-disease
[9] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2171#:~:text=Get%20plenty%20of%20exercise&text=Exercise%20can%20help%20to%20improve,reduced%20physical%20response%20to%20stress.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/stress-and-high-blood-pressure/art-20044190
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fight-or-flight-response-2795194#:~:text=These%20hormones%20cause%20the%20sympathetic,blood%20pressure%2C%20and%20breathing%20rate.
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/work-related-stress-linked-to-increased-risk-for-peripheral-artery-disease
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/peripheral-vascular-disease

Introduction

Experience of any sharp pain or numbness in your legs after an extended period of sitting, painful cramps or aching in your hips, thighs, or calf muscles common and frequent after any physical activity, or coldness in lower feet, are signs of blockages in the arteries of the lower extremities. The condition is known as peripheral artery disease. As per reports, it is common, with nearly 41 to 54 million[1] estimated cases in India and nearly 4.2.to 6.2 million[1] people are afflicted by critical limb ischemia. According to the American Heart Association statement, approx. two hundred million people suffer from arterial blockages of the extremities worldwide.

The alarming statistics and the rising cases of other complications associated with arterial blockages in diabetic patients and people with smoking and alcohol consumption and/or obesity raise more significant concern for its stringent preventive measures and prompt and effective address.

The blog discusses the condition of arterial blockages, its causes, symptoms, and the treatment options for its effective control and management.

Peripheral Artery Disease- Its Causes and Symptoms 

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) results from the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the peripheral arteries as well extremities, commonly the legs. The lack of oxygenated blood supply due to the narrowing of the arteries causes ischemic pain. The causes of arterial blockages are-

• Atherosclerosis – Plaque (fatty deposits) buildup over time results in the narrowing of the arteries, interrupting the blood supply to the peripheral arteries.
• Thrombosis– A clotting of the blood in the narrowed artery is one of the reasons for arterial blockages.
• Embolism– A condition of blocked artery caused by a blood clot or an air bubble in which the smooth flow of blood to the artery is interrupted, leading to an insufficient supply of oxygen. This causes pain, cramps, and other related symptoms of PAD.

Symptoms of PAD

People with PAD may not experience any symptoms until they become severe, which could at times adversely affect the heart health of the patient, if left unaddressed. This is so because PAD shares many common risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking with heart disease.

The main symptom of PAD is claudication, where the person experiences flared cramping and pain in the legs and thighs when walking and subsides when at rest. The other symptoms include coldness in feet, numbness, tingling, or slow healing or unhealing of wounds.

Treatment for PAD

Preventing diseases and related complications is the best way to live a healthy life and enrich your quality of life. People with PAD are at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases and chances of stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related issues. Treatment for PAD requires rigorous and stringent healthcare precautions and aggressive lifestyle modifications.

Self-care and medications

A healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, management and control of comorbidities through medications, effective stress management, regular checkups, and monitoring through routine tests go a long way in preventing PAD and other related complications.

Surgical and non-surgical approaches

After the color doppler test, ankle-brachial index and vascular ultrasound test, the healthcare provider decides whether the patient needs surgical intervention to treat PAD. The severity of the condition is the primary and deciding factor for surgical intervention with other anatomical and health conditions of the patient.

Vascular Surgery

Known as open surgery or bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a new path around the blocked artery, using the healthy blood vessels from the other part of the patient’s body. This is known as grafting. The blood flows through the new path, bypassing the blocked artery.

During this bypass surgery, the patient is put on general anesthesia to keep them comfortable. The surgeon makes incisions to access the arteries and veins. The surgeon may use healthy veins like the saphenous veins (superficial veins in the legs), cephalic veins (veins from the arm), femoral veins (from thighs in case of more extensive artery grafting) from the patient’s body or use a synthetic material for grafting when natural healthy veins cannot be used. The surgeon sews the bypass in place and closes the incisions.

Endovascular Interventions

Atherectomy- It is a minimally invasive procedure to remove plaque from blocked arteries. During the procedure, the healthcare provider uses a sharp blade or laser attached to the tip of the catheter to cut or scrape out the hard plaque. The atherectomy could be Excisional (the blade cuts the plaque in one direction), Orbital (the plaque gets removed with a spinning tool), Rotational (the blade cuts the plaque in a rotating movement), or Laser ablation (the plaque is removed using laser) atherectomy.

Angioplasty – To treat any blood vessel damage, the interventional healthcare professional accesses them through minimal invasiveness. In endovascular intervention, the healthcare professional usually makes a tiny incision in the groin to gain access to the damaged arteries. Using the X-ray real-time images, the catheter, with a balloon attached, is guided to the damaged artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, pushing the plaque to the sides of the arterial walls, and paving the way for the uninterrupted flow of the blood.

In the case of angioplasty, the healthcare professional implants a stent, clearing the passage for the blood to flow in the affected artery. A stent, a small mesh tube, keeps the artery open for blood flow. Once the stent is placed, the balloon is deflated, the catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.

Apart from treating peripheral arteries, these stents are widely used to treat various artery blockages, like the coronary, renal, and carotid arteries.

Angioplasty has been gaining acceptance as a standard of care for treating blocked arteries due to its minimal invasiveness, resulting in less pain and tissue scarring, faster healing and recovery, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normalcy.

Conclusion

There are many risk factors common between PAD and heart disease; hence, effective control and management of one help to prevent the incidence of the other. PAD with other conditions of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity puts the patient at a higher risk of heart disease. Rigorous, consistent, and aggressive lifestyle changes are a must for its prevention. However, in severe cases, where self-care, medications, lifestyle changes, and other alternate treatment modalities do not offer the desired results, surgical and non-surgical treatment options should be resorted to for timely and effective treatment.

The choice of the medical treatment option depends on the healthcare professional’s decision, arrived at after considering the severity of the condition, the age, anatomy, and overall health of the patient. Surgical and non-surgical treatment help repair the damage to the artery by removing the blockages. However, one must own responsibility toward one’s health and adhere to the doctor-recommended diet plan, exercise regime, and recovery plans, and quit smoking and tobacco consumption post-treatment for healthy living.

References

https://journals.lww.com/cmii/fulltext/2020/18030/endovascular_therapy_in_vascular_surgery___how.2.aspx#:~:text=41%E2%80%9354%20million%2C%20with%20an%20estimated%204.2%E2%80%936.2%20million%20patients%20of%20critical%20limb%20ischemia
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/06/15/routine-tests-may-reduce-disparities-in-peripheral-artery-disease-and-amputation-risk
https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/what-is-peripheral-arterial-disease-pad/#:~:text=According%20to%20an%20International%20organization,built%20up%20in%20the

Introduction

Arterial blockages are a slow and gradual narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood throughout the body. These blood vessels could be coronary (supplying blood to the heart), carotid (supplying blood to the brain and the head), peripheral (supplying blood to the body other than heart and brain), or renal (supplying blood to the kidneys) arteries that get blocked due to the accumulation of plaque (fibrous and fatty deposit) over time. This condition of plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, is the underlying condition in most arterial blockages. Also known as stenosis, blocked arteries hamper the regular smooth flow of oxygenated blood in the body, causing angina, claudication, kidney failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and other complications depending on the arteries affected by atherosclerosis.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most common diseases with approx. two hundred million adults reportedly suffer from it, and the incidence increases to nearly 20% in older adults above 70 years. The disease affects the arteries of the extremities, often resulting in restricted mobility of the legs and the arms. The management and treatment for PAD starts with lifestyle changes, cardiovascular risk management, medications, alternate treatment modalities, or surgical or endoscopic treatment.

Continue reading this blog to know what to expect after peripheral artery stent replacement.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of PAD; the other causes may also include injury, inflammation, or exposure of the blood vessels to radiation therapy. The arteries of the legs and arms experience poor blood supply, causing symptoms of claudication (pain in the legs while walking and relief when at rest), and in extreme and severe cases, lead to gangrene.

People with diabetes, family history of PAD, smoking habits, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are highly prone to developing the symptoms of PAD.

Lifestyle changes through a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, stress management, and staying active helps control diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, the contributing risk factors to PAD.

The treatment therapies aim to reduce the risk of PAD and improve mobility through exercises and walking. Patients less responsive to other therapies and lifestyle changes may need endovascular intervention

The procedure with a minimally invasive approach opens the blocked arteries by pushing the plaque to the arterial walls and placing the stent in the treated arteries. The procedure allows the smooth supply of blood to the extremities. Stents have been used for treating arterial blockages with high success and acceptance rates. Stents do not cure atherosclerosis. They treat the condition and relieve the patient from pain, discomfort, immobility, and dependence. Post-procedural care and management of the disease is a must for healthy living. Endovascular treatment with stent placement relieves the patient from the pain, inflammation, and discomfort associated with blocked peripheral arteries.

Alternatively, patients suffering from PAD can undergo a surgical treatment where a vascular surgeon cuts open the affected area and performs the procedure to cure the patient.

Life after Stent Placement 

Stents are a boon for people who are misfit for surgery and/or non-responsive to other treatment options. The stent placement as a percutaneous procedure offers lesser pain, faster healing, fewer tissue scars, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and sooner resumption to routine.

The life of the patients undergoing stent placement for peripheral arterial blockages changes post-treatment. They experience significant relief from the symptoms of PAD. They can live a life of their choice once they have completely recovered. Life becomes relatively active and enriching, with people able to manage their daily chores comfortably and without stress and pain. They regain a sense of worthiness and purpose as they are less dependent on others for their daily needs.

However, the comfort and ease of living a life require post-operative care and management. One must pay attention to the fact that prevention is the only cure. The life of an individual after stent placement may seem like below.

• Immediately upon discharge from the hospital, the patient requires proper rest and downtime with physical activities for complete healing.
• Wound care (Diabetic patients) becomes a priority in order to prevent infection and other complications.
• Healing and recovery are faster with stent placement; compared to surgery, hence one is expected to resume routine in a week or two.
• One must adhere to positive lifestyle changes to prevent its relapse.
• With improved blood flow in the extremities, the patient feels less pain and more comfort in walking and staying active.
• The need for regular follow-up with the doctor and routine medications may arise is mandatory to keep a check on the condition.

Conclusion

PAD is a progressive condition, often a sign of poor cardiovascular health. The symptoms may or may not be noticeable earlier. For the treatment for PAD to be successful and effective, one has to take ownership for one’s health by being consistent in living a healthy life through positive lifestyle choices.

Life resumes normalcy faster after stent placement than open surgery. The relief from pain and discomfort makes life enjoyable and fulfilling. The benefits of stent placement for PAD are multiple, provided one takes precautions with wound care (diabetic patients), regular follow-up visits with doctors, a healthy diet, regular exercises, excessive physical stress to the legs and the arms, controlling risk factors, and a positive mindset.

References

Peripheral Arterial Disease – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)