Peripheral atherosclerosis affects the function of blood vessels and arteries that transport oxygen and nutrients to the body's organs, so what are the symptoms of peripheral atherosclerosis? Learn more about her in this piece.
The buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries causes peripheral atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the arms and legs. What signs of peripheral atherosclerosis are there? Learn more about her in this piece:
Symptoms of peripheral arteriosclerosis
While some people only experience minor symptoms or none at all, others limp and experience leg pain.
Claudication symptoms can appear as muscle pain or cramps in your legs or arms after walking, but it goes away after a few minutes of rest. The location of the blocked or narrowed artery affects the pain.
The intensity of claudication varies greatly, ranging from slight discomfort to extremely severe, exhausting discomfort. You might find it challenging to walk or engage in other forms of physical activity if you have severe claudication. Peripheral arteriosclerosis signs and symptoms include:
- cramps that are excruciatingly painful in one or both hips, thighs, or calf muscles following specific exercises like walking or stair climbing.
- Numbness or weakness in the leg.
- Your lower leg or foot may feel cold, especially when compared to the opposite side.
- Non-healing sores on your toes or legs.
- change in the color of your legs
- Legs and feet may experience hair loss or slowed hair growth.
- Slower growth of toenails.
- Weak or no pulse in the leg or foot.
- Erectile dysfunction in men.
- Arm pain that comes with using your arms, such as when knitting, writing, or performing other manual tasks.
- You may feel cold in the foot or lower leg.
- numbness in the legs;
- Brittle nails .
- Leg and foot sores that either never heal or take a very long time to heal.
- The skin of the legs is shiny, pale or bluish.
Peripheral arteriosclerosis can cause pain that is severe enough to keep you awake even when you are lying down or at rest.
Symptoms of peripheral arteriosclerosis that need a doctor's review
Some symptoms of peripheral atherosclerosis may indicate that the blood supply to the leg has become severely restricted, and you may need to see a doctor immediately. These consist of:
- Inability to move the affected leg muscles.
- Burning or tingling sensation in the affected leg.
- Toes suddenly turning blue.
- Severe pain is experienced when the skin on the toes or lower extremities becomes cold and numb, turns red and then black, or starts to swell.
Factors that increase the risk of peripheral arteriosclerosis
Eighty percent of those who have peripheral atherosclerosis currently smoke or have in the past, making smoking one of the most significant risk factors for the disease.
Risk factors for peripheral arteriosclerosis also include:
- Diabetes . _
- To be 50 years of age or older.
- The person must be of African American descent.
- a history of heart or blood vessel disease in oneself or in one's family.
- Having high blood pressure .
- High cholesterol.
- Obesity and abdominal obesity.
- Having a blood clotting disorder.
- Kidney disease.
Diagnosis of symptoms of peripheral arteriosclerosis
When the disease is first suspected, the doctor frequently looks at the patient's leg before performing various tests and analyses, such as the ones listed below:
- Examination of the ankle and humeral index
One of the most popular tests for peripheral arteriosclerosis is based on comparing the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm.
- Ultrasound, angiography, and blood tests
This test measures the levels of C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and cholesterol.
- Doppler examination and ultrasound
It is a non-invasive technique that uses ultrasound to visualise the artery and measure the blood flow therein to detect the presence of a blockage.
- Computed tomography angiography
The arteries of the patient's abdomen, pelvis, and legs are also seen during this non-invasive examination, which is particularly helpful for people with pacemakers or stents.
- Magnetic resonance angiography
Without using x-rays, this test provides information that is identical to that of a CT scan.
- Angiography
This test is typically only utilised in conjunction with vascular procedures. During an angiogram, a contrast agent is injected into an artery, and x-rays are taken to show blood flow and identify any blockages that may be present.