Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits that narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs, pelvis, and other extremities, affecting millions of Americans. At Rocky Point Stem Cell Therapy, stem cell therapy is being studied as a way to help the body form new blood vessels and improve circulation in people with PAD.
PAD can be a warning sign of atherosclerosis more broadly, where fat deposits build up and block artery walls, leading to serious health complications elsewhere in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improving outcomes for those affected by PAD.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
- PAD is often symptomless or only exhibits mild symptoms, such as intermittent claudication, which is characterized by pain while walking, cramping, and muscle pain in the legs, arms, and calves.
- It can be more easily managed or treated if it is diagnosed and monitored early.
- Sores on the legs, feet, and toes that refuse to heal may be a sign of peripheral artery disease.
- Watch for color changes in the legs, cold sensations in one leg, slow toenail growth, hair loss on the legs, and shiny skin on the legs.
- Check for a weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet, and be aware that erectile dysfunction in men can also be a symptom.
- As PAD progresses, pain can occur even while resting or lying down and can be severe enough to interfere with sleep.
- People with diabetes, those aged 70 and older, smokers, and those with elevated homocysteine levels should consider screening for PAD.
- Homocysteine is a protein that assists with building and maintaining tissue; keeping levels in check is relevant to PAD risk.
- Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels helps reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions, since high blood pressure and high cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular issues.
Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
- PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fat deposits form and clog the arteries. This restricts proper blood flow and can affect not just the heart but other arteries in the body, such as those in the limbs. Other causes of PAD include injury, inflammation of the blood vessels, radiation exposure, and muscle and ligament formation pressing on arteries.
Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease
- Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking help manage the symptoms and progression of PAD.
- Medications tailored to each patient’s needs can help lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, and control blood sugar levels.
- Medication to reduce blood clots, increase blood flow, and provide symptom relief is often prescribed.
- Angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure that unclogs arteries and helps treat PAD.
- Bypass surgery and thrombolytic therapy are other potential treatment options for PAD.
- Exercise plays an integral role in effective PAD treatment and is typically pursued alongside other treatments.
Stem Cell Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease
- Stem cell therapy is showing promising results in research for treating peripheral artery disease. Bone marrow-derived stem cells could help create new blood vessels in the affected area, which may provide relief from this condition.
- Research studies conducted on animal models have been encouraging, with the animals showing improved production of new blood vessels in their legs. This is an early indication that stem cell treatments could help improve circulation in cases of peripheral artery disease.
PAD is closely linked to broader cardiovascular health. Learn more about our Cardiac stem cell therapy options, view our Congestive Heart Failure Stem Cell Treatment, or browse all of our stem cell therapy for chronic disease options.
