Even though you may not have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), you are likely to know someone who has. 6.5 million Americans over the age of 40 are thought to be suffering from PAD, according to recent estimates. Even minor symptoms might develop into significant health issues if ignored. As such, PAD is not a condition you should treat lightly. However, there are several misconceptions about peripheral artery disease. If you would love to seek help to prove reliable providers such as South Florida Vascular Associates, you must know the myths you should avoid. Here, we dispel the common ones:
Consistent and well-defined symptoms characterize PAD.
There is no set pattern to the symptoms. Pain in the legs, such as cramping in the calves while walking, is joint in people with PAD. Peripheral Arterial Disease has a broad range of symptoms. Peripheral Arterial Disease, Venous Disease, and End-Stage Renal Disease are all symptoms of vascular malfunction, which may lead to serious health problems. Up to 4 out of 10 persons with PAD don’t have or display signs. For example, they may suffer from modest leg pain or weariness, which they attribute to osteoarthritis or neuropathy. The most important thing to remember is that the slow blood flow produced by PAD may manifest itself in various ways, ranging from no symptoms to discomfort in one or both legs.
Only your legs are affected by peripheral artery disease
Many individuals assume that their symptoms are not PAD-related if they don’t affect their legs. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more frequent in the legs, although it may occur in any channel in the body. In addition, fat accumulates in the arteries that provide blood to the heart and brain, resulting in reduced blood flow to the kidneys, intestines, arms, legs, and feet and an increased risk of heart disease.
PAD is not dangerous to your health and does not need immediate medical attention.
If you have PAD, you are more likely to have blocked arteries elsewhere in your body, which may lead to more significant health issues. For example, aneurysms, strokes, and other life-threatening disorders may result from obstructions near the stomach, brain, or heart. Persons with PAD have a 5-year death risk more significantly than those with more common diseases like breast cancer or prostate cancer if they are not treated or discovered in time.
It is a man’s disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease myths abound, and this one is no exception. Although having fewer risk factors for cardiovascular disease, women had the same, if not more excellent, PAD rates as males, according to research. Peripheral artery disease affects women more quickly than males. Because women live longer than males, they will be disproportionately impacted by peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more common in overweight people
Although being overweight is a significant risk factor, it is not the sole one. Up to 80% of people with PAD are smokers, either now or formerly. Peripheral artery disease is more common in those who smoke or have diabetes because their blood flow is restricted.
Set an appointment and screening if you are having leg pain. An underlying artery or vein disease may be to blame for your pain and suffering. Modern medical technology makes it possible to treat artery and vein problems effectively. Don’t let myths stop you from getting the treatment you deserve.
