Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)
Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
What Causes P.A.D.?
The most common cause of P.A.D. is atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries. The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known. Certain people are at higher risk for developing atherosclerosis. The main risk factors for atherosclerosis are
- smoking
- older age
- having certain diseases or conditions
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The Effects of Smoking
Smoking is the main risk factor for P.A.D. If you smoke or used to smoke, your chance of getting P.A.D. increases a lot. On average, smokers who develop P.A.D. have symptoms 10 years earlier than nonsmokers who develop P.A.D.
Quitting smoking slows the progress of P.A.D. Smoking even one or two cigarettes a day can interfere with P.A.D. treatments. Smokers and people who have diabetes are at highest risk for P.A.D. complications such as gangrene (tissue death) in the leg.
Older Age
As you get older, your risk for P.A.D. increases, usually starting in your fifties. Older age combined with other factors, such as smoking or diabetes, also puts you at higher risk.
Diseases That Put You at Risk
Your risk for P.A.D. is higher if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, or have had a stroke. A family history of these conditions also makes P.A.D. more likely.
Reducing Your Risk for P.A.D.
Taking action to control your risk factors can help prevent or delay P.A.D. There are several helpful lifestyle changes you can make.
- Quit smoking. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for P.A.D.
- Eat a healthy diet. Look for foods that are low in total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium (salt).
- Get regular exercise and physical activity.
These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for P.A.D. and its complications. They can also help prevent and control conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure that can lead to P.A.D.
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