Mr Neeraj Bhasin
Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and Chair-Elect, The Circulation Foundation
Peripheral arterial disease is a serious condition that restricts blood supply to the legs and, if left untreated, can cause constant pain, ulceration and even gangrene.
Among the public, there is an awareness that a narrowing of the blood vessels can cause heart attack and/or stroke. But there is much less awareness that a narrowing of the peripheral or outer arteries can restrict blood flow to the leg muscles and tissue, which may have serious consequences if untreated.
What is PAD?
The condition is known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and can cause a range of symptoms, explains Mr Neeraj Bhasin, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and Chair-Elect at The Circulation Foundation — a charity that funds, promotes and undertakes research into the causes, prevention and treatment of vascular disease.
“A person with PAD may experience an aching or cramping in the thighs, buttocks or calves after walking a certain distance, which prevents them from going further,” says Mr Bhasin. “Once rested, the pain will stop, and they can continue — but, after a certain distance, it will reoccur.”
If left untreated, it may threaten the viability of the leg, risking foot or leg amputation.
Understand your risk
At the most serious end of the spectrum, lack of blood supply can cause critical limb ischemia (CLI), which is associated with constant pain, ulcers and/or gangrene. If left untreated, it may threaten the viability of the leg, risking foot or leg amputation.
Those most at risk of PAD are the over 65s, anyone with a family history of the disease, people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes and people who smoke. “It is also associated with other conditions,” says Mr Bhasin. “Those with PAD are at increased risk of coronary heart disease or a narrowing of blood vessels around the heart and blood supply to the brain, increasing the chance of stroke.”
Treatments for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and/or blood thinner medications may be prescribed. For serious cases, invasive therapies and/or surgery may be considered. “If you are experiencing symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible,” says Mr Bhasin.
