Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a blood circulation disorder in which the blood vessels (arteries or veins) become narrow or blocked. The blockage is mainly caused by plaque (cholesterol and fatty materials) that clogs the blood vessels. These blood vessels carry oxygen, nutrients, and blood to the arms and legs.
Blockage or narrowing of the arteries results in less blood supply to the organs and other tissues, further causing damage to the tissues and eventually death.
Let’s understand the complications of untreated PAD!
Sign & Symptoms of PAD
PAD has mild or no signs and symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.
When present, signs and symptoms include:
- Claudication (pain or cramping of the legs on exertion that goes away after rest) is the most common symptom in PAD
- Sores or wounds on legs, toes, or feet that do not heal or heal slowly
- Paleness or discoloration of foot
- One foot colder than the other
- Lack of growth of toenails or hair on legs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Pain in rest in leg or feet, in severe PAD
What Are The Major Medical Complications If PAD Is Left Untreated?
The longer you wait or leave PAD untreated, the fewer treatment options are available for you. PAD, if left untreated, will only worsen over time without medical or lifestyle interventions.
Hence, it is vital to intervene at the right time and take the proper steps to slow down the progression of the disease.
The following are some of the significant complications that PAD can lead to, including:
- Reduced mobility: You may have trouble managing daily chores without any help due to reduced mobility.
- Sores and gangrene: Long-term poor blood supply to your leg may cause sores, infections, and tissue death due to lack of blood flow. Death of tissue (Gangrene) is a severe complication that may require amputation, i.e., removal of the affected body part.
- Serious infections: You may have sores that get infected. The infection may then spread to adjacent tissues and muscles, later to the bone and bloodstream—the risk further increases in people having diabetes. Infection of the feet can be treated with antibiotics; however, it may lead to hospitalization in cases of severe infection.
- Ischemia: A sudden drop in blood flow to the leg may cause acute leg ischemia, a severe medical condition where you will need medical help immediately. Quick treatment may help to save your limb.
- Stroke and heart attack: These are some of the fatal complications of PAD. Blockage of arteries is not limited to legs. The blockage can also occur in arteries carrying blood to the heart and brain, resulting in a stroke, heart attack, or even death.