Guide To Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, typically the legs. This reduced blood flow can cause various symptoms and lead to severe complications if left untreated, such as heart attack and stroke. Understanding PAD, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing the condition effectively. This guide provides comprehensive information on Peripheral Artery Disease.

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Peripheral Artery Disease Statistics In Singapore

Peripheral Artery Disease affects a significant portion of the population in Singapore. The prevalence increases with age and is higher in individuals with risk factors such as diabetes and smoking. Studies show that up to 10% of Asian population may be affected by PAD. Other studies suggest that up to 20% of adults aged 65 years or older could have PAD.

Causes Of Peripheral Artery Disease & Risk Factors

Peripheral Artery Disease is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the arteries, narrowing and restricting blood flow. Several risk factors contribute to the development of PAD, including:

• Smoking: The most significant risk factor, as it damages the blood vessels and promotes plaque buildup.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of PAD.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can cause damage to the artery walls, leading to plaque buildup.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries.
• Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for PAD.
• Age: The risk of PAD increases with age, particularly after 50.
• Family History: A family history of cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of developing PAD.

Symptoms Of Peripheral Arterial Disease

The symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease often develop gradually and may vary in severity. Common symptoms include:

• Leg Pain While Walking (Claudication): Pain, cramping, or discomfort in the legs, typically triggered by walking or exercise and relieved by rest.
• Numbness Or Weakness: Affected limbs may feel numb or weak due to poor blood flow.
• Coldness In Lower Legs Or Feet: The lower part of the leg or foot may feel colder than the rest of the body.
• Sores Or Wounds That Do Not Heal: Non-healing sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs, which can become infected.
• Change In Skin Color: The skin on the legs may appear shiny, pale, or bluish.
• Poor Nail And Hair Growth: Toenails may become thickened, and hair growth on the legs and feet may be reduced.

Screening & Prevention

Early detection and prevention of Peripheral Artery Disease are essential for managing the condition effectively. Screening for PAD involves several methods:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A simple, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to assess blood flow.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow through the arteries and identify any blockages.
• Angiography: Involves injecting a contrast dye into the arteries and taking X-rays to see the blood flow and detect blockages.
• Blood Tests: Used to check for underlying conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol, which can contribute to PAD.

Preventive measures include:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of PAD.
• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium helps manage PAD.
• Regular Exercise: Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is crucial for preventing PAD.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatments

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. The following treatment options are commonly used:

Lifestyle Changes:

• Quit Smoking: Reducing or eliminating smoking can significantly improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage PAD.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.

Medications:

• Blood Thinners: Medications like aspirin help prevent blood clots and improve blood flow.
• Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Statins can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of complications.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Controlling high blood pressure is crucial for managing PAD.
• Medications For Symptoms: Cilostazol or pentoxifylline can help reduce symptoms of claudication.

Procedures:

• Angioplasty And Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure where a small balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen it, followed by placing a stent to keep it open.
• Bypass Surgery: In severe cases, a surgeon may create a bypass around the blocked artery using a graft from another part of your body or a synthetic tube.
• Atherectomy: Involves removing plaque buildup from the artery using a special catheter.

Costs

The cost of screening and treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease in Singapore varies depending on the type of tests and procedures required. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Approximately S$100 – S$200.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Approximately S$200 – S$500.
• Angiography: Approximately S$4,000 – S$8,000.
• Medications: Costs vary depending on the type and duration of the medication. Monthly costs may range from S$50 to S$300.
• Angioplasty And Stenting: Approximately S$40,000 – S$60,000.
• Bypass Surgery: Approximately S$20,000 – S$40,000.
• Atherectomy: Costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. According to MOH benchmark guidelines, surgeon fees (i.e. less hospital facility fees) for this procedure may cost around S$2,600 to S$4,300.

It is important to check with specific healthcare providers for detailed cost information and to see if any insurance coverage or payment plans are available.

Survival Rate Statistics For Singapore

Survival rates for Peripheral Artery Disease in Singapore are influenced by various factors, including the severity of the disease, the presence of other health conditions, and the effectiveness of treatment. Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates. Studies have shown that individuals who receive timely treatment for PAD have a higher survival rate compared to those who do not seek medical care.

Chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), also known as critical limb ischemia, is a more severe form of PAD. In a study (published in the Singapore Medical Journal) involving patients with CLTI who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (a procedure whereby a balloon is inflated within an artery at the site of a fatty clog to improve blood flow) between January 2015 and March 2017 at Singapore General Hospital, the one, six and 12-month mortality rate was found to be 7.7%, 16.4% and 21.7%, respectively.

Contact Us For An Appointment

By understanding Peripheral Artery Disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take proactive steps to manage the condition and improve your overall health. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. If you are looking for a doctor for Peripheral Arterial Disease treatment, we can help to get an appointment. Contact us via the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Are The Common Symptoms Of PAD?

Common symptoms include leg pain while walking (claudication), numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower legs or feet, sores or wounds that do not heal, changes in skin color, and poor nail and hair growth.

2. What Are The Treatment Options For PAD?

Treatment options include lifestyle changes (quit smoking, healthy diet, exercise), medications (blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure medications), and procedures (angioplasty and stenting, bypass surgery, atherectomy).

3. How Can I Prevent PAD?

Preventive measures include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

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