Home Remedies and Herbs for Peripheral Artery (Vascular Disease)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) goes by many names, including peripheral arterial disease and peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.¹ PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of the limbs, most commonly in the legs, and affects proper circulation.¹ PAD differs from heart disease because the narrowing of arteries occurs outside the heart and in the peripheral areas of the cardiovascular system.² PAD affects approximately 10 million Americans.²

What Causes Peripheral Artery / Vascular Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is caused by plaque, a cholesterol-rich material, that builds up in the arteries and narrows them.1 Individuals are more at risk of PAD if they:

• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have unhealthy lipid and cholesterol levels
• Are older than 60 years of age
• Are obese
• Have a family history of PAD or other cardiovascular problems

Although atherosclerosis is the leading cause of peripheral artery disease, patients may experience similar symptoms if they have another underlying health condition. Other peripheral artery disease causes can include limb injuries, blood vessel inflammation, radiation exposure, and unusual ligament or muscle anatomy.⁴

Peripheral Artery / Vascular Disease Symptoms

The most common peripheral artery disease symptom is intermittent claudication, which refers to crampy leg pain and discomfort.¹ This pain can come and go and may only be evident when walking but will relieve itself when the patient rests.^1,3 Other peripheral artery disease symptoms include:

• Muscle atrophy
• Pain or tingling in feet or toes
• Hair loss
• Cool skin
• Cold or numb toes
• Non-healing ulcers
• Blue coloring to the toes
• Weak pulse in legs or feet
• Erectile dysfunction (in men)

Some patients may not experience symptoms at all.

Complications can occur due to peripheral artery disease, including an increased risk of heart attack, and stroke.¹ PAD patients are also at risk of developing critical limb ischemia, which happens when injuries, sores, or infections won’t heal due to decreased blood flow.⁴ This can lead to tissue death, also known as gangrene, as well as increase the risk of amputation.⁴

Peripheral artery disease treatment may include a variety of lifestyle changes along with various medications. For example, patients may be encouraged to quit smoking, get regular exercise, and eat a heart-healthy diet.¹ These same options can help in preventing PAD altogether. In severe cases, surgery may be required.¹

References

1. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/peripheral-artery-disease-and-intermittent-claudication
2. http://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/peripheral-arterial-disease-pad
3. https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_pad.htm
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350557