Peripheral artery disease is a disease that affects the non-coronary arteries, especially those of the lower limbs. This disease produces stenosis or narrowing in the caliber of these arteries and, as a consequence, a decrease in the arrival of blood and oxygen to the tissues. In its most severe form it can cause occlusion of the artery.
What is the cause of peripheral artery disease?
There can be many causes, but we reserve the term peripheral artery disease for the pathology produced by atherosclerosis of the arteries.
In turn, the risk of atherosclerosis is increased in people with diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity or homocysteinemia (elevation in the blood of a substance called homocysteine). The more risk factors, the greater the probability of suffering from the disease. In addition, men are more at risk than women.
What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?
Usually, this arteriopathy does not present symptoms until the narrowing in the lumen of the affected vessel is significant.
Only between 10 and 35 percent of patients present intermittent claudication, which is the classic clinical presentation of the disease. This refers to the need to stop walking due to muscle pain in the calf (most frequent), thigh or buttock.
Between 1 and 2% of patients present with severe arterial ischemia. This pathology presents a lack of blood flow which can lead to ulceration or even compromise the future of the limb. Pain, coldness or a change in color (paler, bluish or reddish) in the skin should alert vascular surgery professionals.
What is the treatment of peripheral artery disease?
Depending on the affected site and the form of presentation, treatment may vary. Sometimes it is sufficient to institute medical treatment, which usually includes an antiplatelet drug.
When the disease is severe or does not respond to medical treatment, surgical treatment is necessary. In this intervention, the calcium plaque or clot that has caused the stenosis is removed or, if this is not possible, a bypass or bridge is made between the area anterior to the affected area and the area distal to it. This bypass can be performed with an artificial graft or with a vein from the patient’s leg.
What problems can arteriopathy cause if left untreated?
The main risk of not treating the disease correctly is the appearance of ulcers. These can progress to necrosis or become superinfected, requiring the patient, in extreme cases, to undergo amputation.