Peripheral Arterial Disease – The Heart and Foot Health Connection
American Heart Month is observed in February and it’s the perfect time to talk about a little-known fact: Your feet can provide important clues regarding your heart health! So today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing information regarding the connection between your feet and your heart.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) happens when the blood flow in the leg arteries is restricted. Plaque caused by the buildup of cholesterol on the artery walls can make the arteries narrow, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood to the lower extremities, especially the legs and feet.
When PAD occurs in the feet and legs, it can be an indication of more widespread arterial disease in other areas of the body. This can influence the heart, which can cause a heart attack or a stroke. Some of the risk factors for this condition include a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, diabetes, being over age 50, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease or PAD.
The Relationship Between Foot Problems and PAD
For someone with PAD, minor foot problems such as sores, cuts, or blisters can cause serious complications. Those who suffer from diabetes often have nerve damage (neuropathy) that can result in foot numbness, which prevents the sensation of pain.
Foot abnormalities and problems like thickened fungal or ingrown toenails often get more serious when the patient experiences PAD. Foot ulcers may also develop and never heal. The combination of PAD and diabetes often cause amputation of the foot, leg, or toe.
Diagnosing and Treating PAD
There are often no symptoms during the early stages of PAD. When the arteries become significantly blocked, symptoms can include leg numbness or weakness, cold legs or feet, sores on feet, legs, or toes that don’t heal, leg cramping while lying down or walking, and changes in toenail color and thickness.
Effective treatment for this condition involves:
Medication to improve blood flow, control blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevent blood clots
Surgery when needed to improve arterial blood flow
Lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.