Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Treatments
Peripheral arterial disease is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.
Part of: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Treatments for peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) include lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery or procedures.
The overall goals of treating P.A.D. include reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and preventing complications. Treatment is based on your signs and symptoms, risk factors, and results from a physical exam and tests.
Treatment may slow or stop disease progress and reduce the risk of complications. Without treatment, P.A.D. can cause sores or gangrene (tissue death). In extreme cases, it may be necessary to remove part of the leg or foot (amputation).
Lifestyle Changes
Treatment often includes making long-lasting lifestyle changes, such as:
Quitting smoking. Your risk of P.A.D. increases four times if you smoke. Smoking also raises your risk for other diseases, such as coronary heart disease (CHD). Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit…Read more about Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Treatments