What Is the Carotid Stenting Process?
If you’ve learned that you need carotid stenting, you might wonder what the whole process entails. Continue reading to learn more about stenting and how it helps treat carotid artery disease.
7 Effective PAD Management Strategies That Also Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 12 million Americans and over 200 million people worldwide. PAD can affect the blood flow in your limbs and can often signal broader cardiovascular concerns.
In observance of American Heart Month, our providers at Vascular Specialists are taking a moment to share seven effective PAD management strategies that also reduce your risk of heart disease. Here’s what you need to know.
The connection between PAD and heart disease
PAD and heart disease are closely linked because both result from atherosclerosis — a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries, create blockages, and reduce blood flow.
Atherosclerosis can cause many problems throughout your body, including increased risk of:
- Heart attack
- Aneurysm
- Coronary artery disease
- Arrhythmia
- Stroke
- Organ damage, especially to your kidneys
- PAD
- Critical limb ischemia
Because about 50% of people with PAD also have coronary artery disease, addressing atherosclerosis can potentially spare your limbs and your life.
7 strategies to manage PAD and reduce your heart disease risk
Managing PAD and reducing your risk of heart disease requires lifestyle changes that slow the progress of atherosclerosis and improve blood flow. You may also benefit from medical intervention and medication. Consider the following:
1. Quit smoking
Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs. It’s bad for your entire vascular system. Smoking cigarettes can damage your blood vessels and accelerate PAD. By quitting, you improve blood flow, reduce plaque buildup, and lower your risk of vascular issues.
Smoking cessation also benefits your heart. It can:
- Lower your risk of smoking-related blood clots
- Slash your risk of heart attack by at least half
If you need help quitting, talk to our team or explore the Tobacco Quitline services in Illinois or Indiana.
2. Clean up your diet
Modify your diet to remove or cut back on the foods that contribute to atherosclerosis. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, 100% whole grains, and lean protein supports healthy blood flow and reduces cholesterol levels. Limit saturated fats, sodium, and sugar to improve your vascular health.
3. Exercise for 150 minutes each week
Walking and other low-impact exercises improve circulation, strengthen your heart, and reduce PAD symptoms like leg pain. The most important thing is to stay consistent and build a healthy, sustainable habit.
4. Manage underlying conditions that you have
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are just a few examples of underlying health conditions that can worsen PAD and increase your heart disease risk.
For example, people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease and up to seven times more likely to develop PAD.
If you have any of these high-risk conditions, work with your primary care provider to manage them through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes — this can benefit your limbs and your heart.
5. Take your prescriptions as directed
Medications like blood thinners, statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), or vasodilators can help manage PAD and protect your heart by reducing blood clots, improving blood flow, and lowering your cholesterol levels.
6. Seek treatment
In severe cases, procedures like balloon angioplasty or stenting may be necessary to restore blood flow and prevent complications. The surgeons at Vascular Specialists may also recommend an atherectomy if there is severe plaque buildup.
Treatment — whether through medication and/or surgical intervention — can help reduce the complications of untreated PAD like critical limb ischemia, tissue death, and increased risk of heart disease.
7. Schedule and attend regular checkups
Managing PAD is about more than symptom relief (although that’s a huge benefit!). It’s a proactive approach to safeguarding your heart health. Learning that you have PAD can be your first warning sign of arteriosclerosis.
Take action this February
What healthy habits can you adopt this month for the sake of your limbs and your heart?
If you’re ready to take control of your vascular health, schedule a consultation with our team in Tinley Park, Illinois, and Munster, Indiana. You can also reach us at 815-824-4406.
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