One in every 20 Americans above 50 years of age has Peripheral artery disease (PAD).(1)
Individuals with PAD have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.(2)
The ailment in which the arteries in the periphery narrow down is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Mostly this condition affects the legs, but can also occur in the stomach, arms, and heads. PAD is a lot similar to coronary artery disease. In both cases, the hardening of arteries is the primary cause. The build-up decreases the blood flow and narrows the arteries causing pain the legs. Individuals suffering from PAD are at a higher risk of a stroke.(3)
Can Peripheral Artery Disease Go Away On Its Own?
Peripheral artery disease does not go away on its own. Some lifestyle changes including smoking discontinuance, healthy diet, and exercise diminish the progress of the condition, but once there is an accumulation of plaque, it won’t go away without medical intervention. Neglecting PAD will result in the blood vessels to continue thinning over time. If the blood supply to any of the important body organs is blocked with plaque, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.(4)
What Are The Natural Remedies For Peripheral Artery Disease?
Most of the people manage the symptoms of PAD with basic lifestyle changes. It is essential to learn about the determinants that can cause you this condition. Addressing these factors could help you mitigate PAD as well as lower your odds of having a stroke. Here are some natural remedies to help with this condition:
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity drives weight loss and improves your overall wellbeing. Although, ask you, physician, how much you can exercise, and what kind of exercises you can perform. A general guideline is to do a 30-min cardio exercise with light intensity. Practice regularly, make it a habit, and you will see the results.
Quit Smoking And Avoid Tobacco Products: If you smoke regularly, your disease will not get treated. Chances are that your condition may get more acute. Tobacco products are equally harmful. Many programs can help you do the same. If you cannot do it on your own, seek professional help.
Monitor Your Weight: If you are obese or overweight, you aching from PAD will be severe. Consult your doctor for a healthy weight loss program. Be consistent and avoid anything that triggers weight gain.
Eat Healthily: Eating healthy is one of the most popular ways to help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Especially, when you have PAD, eating healthy becomes as vital as being on medication. Typically, a healthy diet would consist of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. Also, avoid foods with added sugars, solid fats, and refined grains. It is also important that you don’t consume oily and fried food. Instead pick foods that are rich in Omega-3 such as walnuts, almonds, salmon, and tuna.
Sleep Your Head Elevated: A very viable solution is to sleep with your bed raised 6 inches to increase the amount of blood flow to your legs and lessen the pain in your legs.
Keep Track Of Your Health: Check your blood pressure and sugar levels frequently. It is necessary to keep your heart functioning properly. Low or elevated blood pressure or sugar levels can impact the health of your heart aggressively. Another major factor is to address abnormal cholesterol. Deleterious levels of cholesterol can worsen your condition.
Avoid Cold Medications: Don’t take allergy and cold meds with pseudoephedrine as they constrict your blood vessels and worsen your symptoms.
Taking Good Care Of Your Feet And Legs: It is significant to keep the skin of your legs and feet healthy. Inspect them regularly and use skin lotions to keep them soft. Also, stay cautious with toe-nail clipping – wear comfortable and well-fitted socks.(5)
Conclusion
Peripheral artery disease is dangerous as the reduced blood flow restricts circulation to brains, limbs, and organs. Without adequate blood flow, your body may collapse.
Thus, PAD should be treated as soon as it is detected. It is a life-threatening condition but can be reversed and cured with proper care.
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/pad/docs/pad_extfctsht_general_508.pdf
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/about-peripheral-artery-disease-pad
- https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/treatments-peripheral-artery-disease#1
- https://www.conehealth.com/services/heart-vascular-care/conditions-we-treat/peripheral-arterial-disease/peripheral-arterial-disease-medical-complications/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/prevention-and-treatment-of-pad
Also Read:
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Do’s & Don’ts
- What is Peripheral Artery Disease: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis
- Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease: Medications, Surgery, Exercise Program
- Recovery Period of Peripheral Artery Disease & its Prognosis|Diet, Exercise, Yoga for Peripheral Artery Disease