Peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

June 1, 2012

Related Articles:

• Diazolin children
• Aktovegin
• Ascorutin - from what these pills?
• Preparations improving brain blood circulation

Tweet

The illness, called peripheral arterial disease It arises as a consequence of disturbances in blood flow in the arteries that supply the lower extremities of human blood. This usually occurs because of a patient atherosclerosis , Resulting in too little tissue is adjudged oxygen   and mineral nutrients.

Features of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

The main symptoms of peripheral artery disease - a feeling of discomfort, or the occurrence of pain in the legs when walking. The development of pain can occur in different parts of the legs. Location dislocation bolevyz sensations depends on exactly which parts of the arteries have been damaged.

Depending on the age of the person increases the risk of occurrence of the first clinical signs of the disease. So, if you examine a group of people who are over seventy years old, in this case, peripheral arterial disease is detected in one of the three people. The risk of developing the disease increases significantly in those who smoke or suffer from diabetes.

Causes of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

The main reason that causes the development of peripheral arterial disease, is always atherosclerosis . The highest risk of developing this disease occurs in men who are over fifty years. In women, the likelihood of developing this disease is lower.

Experts identify a number of factors that contribute to the development of peripheral arterial disease. In this case of decisive importance is often malicious smoking, the presence of a person Diabetes , A permanent display of high Blood Pressure . Systemic diseases lead to the appearance of irregularities in the functioning of the immune system, which contributes to the formation in the body antibodies Tropic to the vascular wall.

Also, a higher probability of occurrence of this disease in people with high levels of cholesterol   or triglycerides , High blood gomotsistenina . Guards must be also the presence of a person obesity : Risk increases if the body weight exceeds the norm by more than 30%.

Higher chance of manifestations of the disease occurs in people who have previously had problems with the cardiovascular system. In addition, the risk of developing this disease is two times higher in black people.

Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

The most pronounced symptoms of peripheral arterial disease in the legs causes pain while walking. Such painful sensations arise in different parts of course, depending on how and where the impressed feet artery. Pain is often manifested in buttocks . hips . lap . feet . shins .

Aorta   - It is the largest vessel which is divided into two branches, on which the blood supply to the lower limbs occurs. In the normal state of the aorta is, the surface is smooth inside. However, over time the progression of atherosclerosis in the aortic wall are laid on lipid plaques . As a result, the wall is compacted, disturbed its integrity, the inner lumen becomes narrower. All this leads to disruption of blood flow and exhibiting the first symptoms of peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs as a consequence of insufficient blood supply to the growth of blood vessels. But it is important to take into account the fact that for a relatively long period of time this ailment may not be felt by certain symptoms. But while disease progression will continue. Without the timely implementation of the correct diagnosis and treatment of disease, it eventually leads to the loss of limbs. This maintains a very high risk of disorders of blood flow in other organs. The disease can affect the heart, the brain, which is fraught with the development of, respectively, acute myocardial infarction   and stroke .

The most common symptom of arteriosclerosis of lower extremities manifested intermittent claudication   In this state the patient feels pain or discomfort when walking, which disappear with rest .  In some cases, the pain does not occur, but there is a sense of squeezing, cramping, or weakness in the legs .  Symptoms of claudication occur most frequently when a person tries to climb the hill, up the stairs .  With such physical effort increases the load on the legs .  After some time, there is the progression of this condition: intermittent claudication begins to manifest itself at lower physical activity .  This condition is typical for about half of the people suffering from diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities .  Among other symptoms of this disease there is a process of hair loss on the legs, the skin on the feet becomes dry and pale, reduced its sensitivity .  If there are too advanced cases, may cause ulcers and blackening on the toes and around them .

The severity of the disease is determined by how intense the pain symptoms are present whether the trophic changes, how far the patient is able to walk.

Gradually much worse blood supply to the tissues. In this case, it is a critical ischemia   lower limbs. When a situation like this pain may be too intense and occur even at rest. The pain is localized on the thighs and to the toes and at the lowest possible load on the legs it considerably enhanced. If there is severe ischemia of the lower limbs, and there is no appropriate treatment, the patient may develop necrosis soft tissue . This leads to gangrene   lower limbs.

Diagnosis of diseases of the peripheral arteries of the lower extremities

In the process of diagnosis of peripheral artery disease was initially a specialist conducts a detailed survey of the patient to determine the features of its health symptoms. It is very important in this case, information about smoking, as well as high blood pressure. After this was compulsory inspection of the lower extremities, and heart rate is determined by them.

There are certain tests to more accurately determine whether there is a defeat of the arteries of the lower extremities. This comparison of the blood pressure in the arms and legs to determine the ankle-brachial index, and a study of cholesterol in the blood and a number of other biochemical markers of cardiovascular disease.

To fully confirm the presence of the diagnosis and to determine what the nature of the injuries, it is necessary to carry out some research tool. First of all, the patient is assigned to an ultrasound duplex ultrasound of the arteries, allowing blood flow to estimate the parameters and structure of blood vessels. Using probes with the Doppler effect to determine the cuff and pulse volume of blood that flows in the different parts of the feet.

In addition, the patient is prescribed magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography. Patients in whom there are very heavy defeats peripheral arteries, prescribed holding traditional angiography using X-rays.

Treatment of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

First of all, the patient, who was made a diagnosis should take into account that the treatment of peripheral arterial disease should always be approached comprehensively. A very important point in the treatment of disease is a fundamental change in lifestyle of the patient. It is important to take this deliberate upon detection of the disease at an early stage, since a change in habits will help to halt the development of the disease. In this case it is necessary to apply all measures that relate to the prevention of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities.

There is also an effective drug therapy. Medicaments are assigned primarily to exercise control over the content of cholesterol in the blood, as well as above the level of blood pressure. In the complex treatment of peripheral arterial disease include the administration of drugs that reduce the aggregation properties Platelet . Under their influence, hemodilution occurs, prevents blood clots . If the patient manifested severe pain, possible use of painkillers.

During the treatment it is important to constantly monitor the level of physical activity. It should not be reduced, but on the contrary, to increase its level. Not less than three times a week is necessary to go at least thirty minutes. Such an active lifestyle will help reduce the symptoms of the disease.

All these recommendations are suitable in the event that the disease manifests itself in a relatively easy manner. In case of severe arterial disease of the lower extremities conservative therapy is not always effective. Sometimes a specialist stops on the need for surgical treatment. The operation was carried out as a conventional technique, and by using modern technology. How the surgery is carried out, is determined solely by the attending physician, guided by the individual characteristics of the patient's condition. In some cases, it is advisable to a combination of several surgical techniques.

The least invasive surgical treatment of peripheral artery disease is a technique Angioplasty   and stenting . It is used when large arteries have been damaged. Angioplasty involves the introduction of the arterial lumen flexible catheter through the femoral vein. Then introduce the conductor delivering to the place where the vessel is narrowed, a special balloon. By inflating the balloon restored normal vessel lumen.

In more serious cases, spend bypass arteries . This creates an additional vessel. As it passes the bloodstream, bypassing the affected area of ​​the artery. For use as artificial graft prosthesis and the patient's vein.

Method endarterectomy It involves the removal of atherosclerotic plaques surgically. For this it is necessary to open the artery. However, it is important to consider that such a procedure may violate the general circulation of the arteries. Consequently, the usefulness endarterectomy determined taking into account the degree of localization of the lesions and disturbances of blood flow in a specific artery.

In the most severe cases, where the patient has already developed gangrene , held amputation   the affected limb. This method of therapy is used in the most radical and the ineffectiveness of other treatments. About 90% of patients who have already begun gangrene, provided the treatment time may avoid amputation or operate it in the minimum volume.

Prevention of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

To ensure high quality and effective prevention of the disease, it is important to take a responsible approach to the issue of lifestyle change. Compulsory particular attention to the presence of risk factors for the disease. In order to prevent their occurrence, it is necessary to regularly control blood sugar, if the patient holds diabetes. Not less important to take all measures to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood as well as blood pressure. For this purpose as medical drugs and change in diet. In particular, diet   It should not include foods with high cholesterol levels, as well as salted, smoked, spicy dishes, foods that are high in calories and saturated fat. Gradually it should completely replace all animal fats, vegetable oils. It is important in this case to get rid of smoking. People with a tendency to overweight, it is essential to prevent the development of obesity. To do this, you need not only a balanced diet, but also to put into their normal schedule regular physical education classes. Daily Walking also helps to maintain the shape and to stop the progression of peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities.