Peripheral Arterial Disease: Prevention & Expectations (Peripheral Atherosclerosis, Chronic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Peripheral Arterial Disease: Prevention & Expectations
Category : Health Centers > Cardiovascular (Circulatory System)

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Alternate Names : Peripheral Atherosclerosis, Chronic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What can be done to prevent the disease?

A person may reduce his or her risk for developing atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease by:

controlling blood cholesterol

controlling diabetes

controlling high blood pressure

exercising regularly

eating a heart-healthy diet

not smoking

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Over time, PAD can cause loss of sensation or weakness in the affected arm or leg. The artery can become so narrowed that the person has pain at rest. When the artery becomes very narrow or blocked, tissue death can set in. This is known as gangrene. When tissue in the limb begins to die, the limb usually has to be amputated.

Persons with PAD have a risk of heart disease and stroke that is three to six times higher than that of other people.

What are the risks to others?

PAD is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

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Peripheral Arterial Disease: Diagnosis & Tests		Peripheral Arterial Disease: Treatment & Monitoring

Author: William M. Boggs, MD
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 05/21/01

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