Smoking and Arteriopathy

Patient was educated on effects on smoking on arteriopathy: Smoking causes production of free radicals that result in oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Inflamed inner lining of blood vessels will set the ground for cholesterol and fatty deposition in the blood vessel lining. The cholesterol and fatty deposition in the blood vessel is called plaque. Deposition of plaque lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and restrict blood flow, which lead to peripheral artery disease [...]

Late Findings of Peripheral Artery Disease

Patient was educated on late findings of peripheral artery disease as follows: If the compromised blood supply continues for prolonged period, severe ischemia of the extremity can occur resulting in pain in the extremity even at rest. In the initial stages of this condition, gravity helps to some extent to provide blood supply to the distal extremity. But, as the condition progresses, the blood vessels are further compromised and even gravity will not help increased [...]

Early findings of Peripheral Artery Disease

Patient was educated on the early findings of peripheral artery disease as follows: The involved extremity can be cold to touch and appears light bluish in color. The classic early symptom of peripheral artery disease is leg pain when walking, which often resolves with rest. This pain is called intermittent claudication. This is due to the muscle of the leg needing more oxygen during exercise, such as, walking. More oxygen supply to the limb can [...]

Pathogenesis of Peripheral Artery Disease

Patient was educated on pathogenesis of peripheral artery disease as follows: Peripheral artery disease(PAD) is a narrowing of the blood vessels, especially in the extremities. Peripheral artery disease most commonly affects the lower extremities, but other sites can also be involved. The following are major risk factors for peripheral artery disease: Smoking Hypertension Diabetes Elevated cholesterol All the above factors play interactive roles in compromising the blood supply, especially to the distal extremities. Compromise in [...]