Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common yet serious condition that affects the arteries outside of your heart, typically in the legs. PAD develops when these arteries become narrowed, which can lead to leg pain, numbness, and even ulcers.
While some risk factors for PAD are widely known, such as smoking and diabetes, there are several lesser-known factors that can also increase your risk. Understanding all of your risk factors can help you assess your potential for developing PAD.
In this blog, our providers at Vascular Specialists cover some of the lesser-known risk factors for PAD and what we can do to help if you develop the condition.
While aging is a well-known risk factor for many health conditions, it specifically increases the risk of PAD, especially after age 50. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that your risk doubles with each passing decade.
Men are slightly more likely to develop PAD than women, though women tend to experience more severe symptoms when they do develop the condition. The AHA also notes that more women may have the condition and not realize it because women are more likely to develop atypical symptoms.
Homocysteine is an amino acid in your blood, and high levels of it are linked to an increased risk of vascular diseases, including PAD. Elevated homocysteine (defined as more than 50 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L) can damage the lining of your arteries and make them more prone to plaque buildup.
This condition, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is often related to genetic factors or a deficiency in B vitamins, particularly folic acid, B6, and B12.
African Americans, especially men, have the highest risk of developing PAD. Black men have a 30% lifetime risk of developing PAD. This increased risk is likely due to a combination of genetic factors and a higher prevalence of other risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes.
Chronic kidney disease is another significant yet under-recognized risk factor for PAD. Kidney disease can lead to a buildup of waste products in your blood, and these waste products can damage the lining of your blood vessels.
People with chronic kidney disease often have additional risk factors for PAD, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of developing PAD. Inflammation contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
While a lack of physical activity is widely recognized as a risk factor for heart disease, it’s also a significant risk factor for PAD. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor circulation and exacerbate other risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure.
Chronic stress takes a toll on your physical and mental health. It’s a risk factor for several conditions, including PAD. Stress can lead to risky coping behaviors that increase PAD risk, such as smoking, overeating, and physical inactivity.
Not only does stress lead to high-risk coping mechanisms, but it can also impact your healing. The AHA reports that people with high stress at work were more likely to be hospitalized for PAD compared to people with PAD who weren’t under high stress.
While you can’t influence all risk factors — like your age — you can influence your modifiable risk factors. To reduce your risk of PAD and other vascular conditions, you can:
Even with these prevention strategies, it’s still possible to develop PAD. But you don’t need to wait for your symptoms to get worse before reaching out for help.
Your Vascular Specialists provider can recommend lifestyle changes to help improve circulation. If needed, they may recommend medication, balloon angioplasty and stenting, or atherectomy.
If you’re concerned about your vascular health or suspect that you already have PAD, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team in Munster, Indiana, or Tinley Park, Illinois. Click here or call our appointment line at 815-824-4406.
