Peripheral artery disease is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, typically in the legs. This leads to pain and mobility issues. Learning how to prevent peripheral artery disease is crucial since early intervention can stop disease progression. If left untreated, minimally invasive surgery may be necessary to prevent further complications and amputation.
Prevention is key for peripheral artery disease, involving early screening, quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet. Managing other health conditions and taking prescribed medications is also crucial. APEX Vascular in East Tennessee offers advanced treatments and comprehensive care for peripheral artery disease.
Surgical Treatments of Peripheral Artery Disease
When peripheral artery disease (PAD) becomes serious, vascular surgeons use minimally invasive surgeries to help.
The main type is called angioplasty with stenting. Your doctor will make a tiny cut and put a catheter (thin tube) into your blood vessel. This tube has a small balloon that inflates to push the buildup in your artery to the sides. Then, a small metal tube called a stent is left there to keep the artery open.
If the buildup is too hard for a balloon angioplasty, our vascular surgeons perform an atherectomy. For this procedure, the catheter is equipped with a device that shaves or grinds away the plaque.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid ever reaching a stage where you need surgery to treat PAD.
How to Prevent Peripheral Artery Disease
Preventing peripheral artery disease involves several crucial steps. It’s important to get screened, particularly if you’re in a high-risk group. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet are essential lifestyle changes.
Additionally, managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, limiting alcohol intake, and taking prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider are vital.
These measures, combined with early detection, play a key role in reducing PAD risk and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Get screened for PAD
Getting screened for PAD is one of the most important steps for how to prevent peripheral artery disease. Early detection allows for timely intervention, potentially slowing disease progression and preventing complications.
Screening is especially important for:
- Those over 50
- Smokers
- Diabetics
- People with high blood pressure or cholesterol
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a common, non-invasive screening method. Other tests may include ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI.
Regular screening can lead to early treatment, improving your quality of life and reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products
Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products is a crucial step in how to prevent peripheral artery disease. By quitting, you can dramatically lower your risk of developing PAD and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Smoking significantly increases PAD risk by:
- Constricting blood vessels
- Promoting blood clots
- Damaging arterial walls
Quitting smoking rapidly improves heart health, reducing PAD risk within weeks.
Resources for smoking cessation include quitlines like 1-800-QUIT-NOW, online tools like Smokefree.gov, and mobile apps such as quitSTART.
Maintain a healthy weight with exercise
Another important part of how to prevent peripheral artery disease is maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight increases the risk of PAD by straining the circulatory system and promoting inflammation.
To manage your weight, aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise weekly (about half an hour per day), such as brisk walking or cycling. For sustainable weight loss, focus on lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. Set realistic goals and seek support from friends or professionals. Remember, slow and steady progress is key to long-term success in PAD prevention.
Adopt a heart-healthy diet
To help reduce your risk, focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as lean proteins like fish and poultry. These foods support cardiovascular health by being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber is particularly important as it helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Fats are still necessary for a heart-healthy diet. You can incorporate heart-healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
Limit or avoid:
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats
- Processed meats
You should also avoid high-sodium foods since they can contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
Following these dietary guidelines is essential for how to prevent peripheral artery disease and improve your overall vascular health.
Manage other health conditions
Other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can play a major role in the development of PAD. Controlling high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking prescribed medications helps protect blood vessels.
You can manage diabetes through:
- Blood sugar control
- Proper diet
- Exercise
All of these steps help reduce the risk of arterial damage.
Take prescription medications
Medications are an important part of how to prevent peripheral artery disease. These could include blood thinners like aspirin or clopidogrel, which prevent clots and can improve how far you can walk.
Your doctor might also recommend statins, which lower cholesterol and slow down artery narrowing. Blood pressure medicines can protect your arteries, while a drug called cilostazol can ease leg pain and increase your walking distance.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s needs are different. That’s why it’s crucial to talk with your doctor, who will choose the best medications for you based on your specific health situation and risk factors.
Limit alcohol consumption
Limiting alcohol consumption is crucial in preventing peripheral artery disease. The American Heart Association recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Excessive alcohol intake significantly increases PAD risk. Consuming 10 or more drinks per week is associated with a pronounced risk of PAD.
Limiting alcohol helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of arterial damage and plaque buildup that can lead to PAD.
Come to APEX Vascular for PAD Treatment
APEX Vascular has established itself as the premier destination for PAD treatment in Knoxville and East Tennessee. Equipped with the state’s first specialized vascular center, we offer advanced treatments under the guidance of board-certified surgeons. Our team is committed to excellence with a patient-first approach.
At APEX Vascular, we provide a modern, comfortable environment across multiple locations in East Tennessee, including:
Our focus on limb preservation and comprehensive care demonstrates a dedication to exploring all treatment options. This combination of cutting-edge technology, specialized expertise, and compassionate care makes APEX Vascular the top choice for PAD and other vascular treatments in the region.
PAD treatment ranges from lifestyle modifications to surgical interventions like angioplasty. Prevention involves quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing health conditions. Medications and early screening are crucial. APEX Vascular offers comprehensive care for patients with advanced vascular conditions.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, and Harrogate, TN. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that goes beyond medical treatment. Our exceptional vascular staff, boasting extensive experience in vascular surgery, works tirelessly to elevate the standards of patient care and contribute to your overall well-being. Visit us online or call us at 865-562-3232 to request an appointment today!
