If You Notice This While Walking, Get Your Heart Checked Immediately
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which small blood vessels reduce blood flow to your organs. It occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of blood vessels, called atherosclerosis. Although this build-up mainly occurs in your legs, it is rarely confined to one area.
Think of your legs as the canary in the coal mine. If the arteries in your leg are blocked with plaque, there is a good chance that the arteries that supply your heart and brain are blocked, too. In fact, research shows that heart conditions are increasingly associated with deteriorating brain health and dementia, making early detection important for your entire body.
According to the American Heart Association, people with PAD are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease than those without it. Pain in your legs is your body’s early warning system – a sign that your vascular system is struggling to deliver oxygenated blood where it’s needed most.
Marking: Central claudication
The hallmark symptom of PAD is a type of pain called intermittent claudication. Unlike the chronic pain of arthritis or the sharp zap of sciatica, claudication follows a predictable cycle:
- Exercising: The pain starts when you walk or exercise. Your muscles need more blood flow than your small arteries can provide.
- Location: You feel it in the muscles – usually in the calf, but also in the thigh or back – instead of the joints.
- Help: The pain subsides within minutes of rest.
If you find yourself needing to stop frequently to let the pain subside, you may want to consider talking to a doctor.
Who is most at risk?
PAD can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your odds. Recent research shows that certain health problems precede 99% of strokes and heart attacks, and many of those risk factors overlap directly with PAD. You should be especially careful if you are over 50 and have a history of:
- Smoking: This is one major risk factor. Smokers are diagnosed with PAD 10 years earlier than non-smokers.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time.
- High cholesterol: It contributes to the formation of plaque that narrows the arteries.
A simple test that can save your life
The good news is that diagnosing PAD is rare. Doctors use a test called the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI).
During this test, the healthcare provider measures the blood pressure in your ankle and compares it to the blood pressure in your arm. If the pressure in your ankle is too low, it indicates a blockage in the veins of the leg.
What you can do right now
If you suspect you have PAD, the most dangerous thing you can do is ignore it. The second most dangerous thing is to stop moving.
Although it seems counterintuitive to walk when it hurts, a structured walking program is actually one of the most effective treatments for PAD. Walking pushes your body to create “collateral veins” – tiny blood vessels that bypass the boundaries. However, you should clear this with your doctor first.
Your app should look like this:
- Schedule an appointment: Mention your leg pain specifically and ask if an ABI test is appropriate.
- Check your feet: Poor blood circulation can delay the healing of foot injuries. Check daily for sores or cuts that are not healing.
- Prioritize heart-healthy habits: If you smoke, quitting is the most impactful change you can make.
Your legs are trying to tell you something important. Listening to them now can keep your heart beating for years to come. To help you stay ahead of potential problems, Life Line Screening reveals hidden dangers so you can take early action. Book an inspection today and have peace of mind.
