Peripheral arterial disease is a very common affection that involves the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries and the consequent narrowing of the blood vessels leading to restricted blood flow to the muscles or to the body’s organs. The condition usually develops very slowly, over the course of years or decades, with symptoms also developing very slowly. There is currently no cure for the disease, but there are many ways to keep it under control or even to reverse it to a certain extent. Here are some peripheral artery disease treatment methods:
- Lifestyle changes – peripheral arterial disease is usually linked to sedentary lifestyle and a diet that contain too much fat and carbs. The symptoms can be efficiently reduced with the help of regular exercise and with a healthy diet that limits the intake of fats and carbs. Other lifestyle changes include smoking cessation and the elimination of alcohol from the patient’s diet;
- Medication – peripheral arterial disease is often associated with other illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The medicines prescribed to patients suffering from PAD usually include drugs to keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control and blood thinning medication to prevent the formation of blood clots that increase the risk of severe cardiovascular events and embolism.
