High Cholesterol and Peripheral Artery Disease
High cholesterol occurs when there is an excessive amount of cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, in the blood. Cholesterol is, however, necessary for building healthy cells, but too much of it can accumulate in the arteries, leading to plaque buildup. This plaque can harden over time and narrow the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, leading to peripheral artery disease (PAD).
One of the most common risk factors of PAD is high cholesterol. Cholesterol buildup in the arteries can lead to narrowing and blockages, limiting blood flow to the legs. Understanding the relationship between PAD and high cholesterol is important to managing and preventing this condition properly.
PAD Symptoms in High Cholesterol Patients
Patients with high cholesterol may experience symptoms of PAD earlier and have more severe symptoms due to plaque buildup. Common symptoms include:
- Leg pain or cramping during physical activity
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Coldness in the lower foot or leg, especially when compared to the other side
- A weak pulse or no pulse in the feet or legs
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on the legs
- Shiny skin on the legs
Diagnosing PAD in High Cholesterol Patients
Diagnosing PAD in individuals with high cholesterol typically involves a combination of diagnostic tests, medical history assessments, and physical examinations. Common diagnostic tests for PAD include:
- Doppler Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to visualize the blood flow in your arteries and detect blockages.
- Angiogram: This imaging test involves injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream to visualize the arteries and identify any narrowing or blockages.
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm to identify any reduced blood flow to the legs.
Prevention of PAD and High Cholesterol
Preventing PAD and managing high cholesterol involves making lifestyle changes and managing underlying conditions. Some preventative measures include:
- Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (such as omega-3s) helps control cholesterol levels.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days can improve circulation and reduce cholesterol.
- Quitting Smoking: Quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps to prevent PAD and cardiovascular disease.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight lowers cholesterol and reduces strain on the arteries.
- Medications: Statins and other medications that lower cholesterol can help minimize plaque buildup in the arteries, lowering the risk of PAD.
Schedule an Appointment at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.
How Can High Cholesterol Lead to PAD?
High cholesterol plays a critical role in the development of PAD. Cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, contributes to plaque formation on the arteries’ walls. Excess LDL cholesterol combines with fats, calcium, and other substances in the bloodstream to form plaque deposits along the inner walls of arteries.
As plaque accumulates, the arteries narrow and stiffen, reducing the space for blood to flow through. This leads to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues, particularly in the legs. As the arteries become increasingly blocked, blood flow to the extremities is severely reduced, resulting in the classic symptoms of PAD, such as leg pain during walking (claudication) and non-healing wounds.
What Happens When High Cholesterol and PAD Go Untreated?
Leaving PAD and high cholesterol untreated can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Without treatment, PAD tends to worsen over time. Restricted blood flow can lead to more frequent and severe symptoms, including debilitating pain and difficulty walking. In severe cases, PAD can result in critical limb ischemia, where the lack of blood flow leads to non-healing wounds, infections, and even tissue death (gangrene), which may require amputation.
High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in arteries throughout the body, not just in the legs. Untreated high cholesterol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to blockages in the arteries that supply the heart and brain. Individuals with PAD are at a significantly higher risk for these cardiovascular events.
PAD Treatments for High Cholesterol Patients
If lifestyle changes and medications haven’t worked, you may need a minimally invasive procedure to help treat PAD due to high cholesterol. American Endovascular provides various minimally invasive, image-guided PAD treatment options that help restore blood flow, prevent complications, and reduce symptoms.
- Atherectomy: This procedure involves removing plaque from the artery using a tiny cutting device, allowing blood to flow more easily.
- Angioplasty: During this procedure, a balloon is inflated inside the artery to widen it, improving blood flow.
- Stent Placement: A small mesh tube, or stent, is inserted in the artery to keep it open after an angioplasty.
High Cholesterol Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, high cholesterol is a major risk factor for PAD. It adds to plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to narrowing and blockages that limit blood flow.
It varies from person to person and depends on lifestyle, genetics, and overall health. People with long-term, unmanaged high cholesterol, however, are at greater risk of developing PAD earlier in life.
The most effective way to prevent PAD is to manage high cholesterol through a mix of regular exercise, a healthy diet, and medications.
Vascular Specialists in NY & NJ
At American Endovascular, we specialize in treating PAD with minimally invasive procedures. Our team of vascular specialists offers comprehensive care, from risk factor evaluation to advanced treatment options. Find one of our vascular specialists in NY & NJ.
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