PAD

Question 1

what is PAD?

Answer 1

PAD is the narrowing of arteries supplying to the leg
- caused by build up of plaque which reduces vessel diameter (atherosclerosis)
- or may be suddenly blocked by a blood clot, or embolus
- results in stenosis: reduced diameter, occlusion (blockage), reduced blood flow to muscles (claudication)

Question 2

what is the greatest sign of PAD?

Answer 2

intermittent claudication:

these individuals experience a painful or tired feeling in the legs that occurs with exercise or walking but is rapidly relieved by rest.

lack of oxygen in the leg during PA means anaerobic glycolysis is used

Question 3

what are the risk factors for PAD?

Answer 3

smoking

diabetes

HTN

high cholesterol

family history

old age

Question 4

what condition are individuals PAD also likely to have?

Answer 4

because atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, PAD patients are also likely to have CAD
- 50-75% of PAD patients also have CAD

Question 5

what are the treatment aims for PAD patients?

Answer 5

1. relieve symptoms
2. re-establish blood flow to reduce risk of losing a limb
3. stop progression of atherosclerosis to lower risk of MI and strokes

Question 6

what does treatment for PAD patients involve?

Answer 6

lifestyle changes;
- stop smoking
- eating healthy
- being active

supervised exercise programs:
- condition is narrowing of blood vessels and lack of vasodilation
- exercise through pain: create overload stimulus to dilate blood vessels through exercise and adapt
- AHA suggests to walk 5-10 minutes to reach moderate to moderately severe claudication followed by rest until pain has dissipated (2-5min)

to treat and overload the narrowed blood vessel, we can use RT to target the lesion