What Are the Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is a condition whereby plaque develops within the arteries that carry blood to your limbs, head and organs. As a result of plaque build-up, your arteries become narrowed and your limbs are unable to receive adequate blood support. In most cases, P.A.D. afflicts your legs. According to the Mayo Clinic, having P.A.D. also may mean you have an accumulation of fatty deposits in a condition known as atherosclerosis. Treating the disease can be done through minor lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. Other treatments include medications or surgery.

Quit Smoking

• When you smoke, you can contribute to the blocking of your arteries by inhaling toxic chemicals leached off by the cigarette. According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking is a "risk factor in the development and worsening of P.A.D." If you quit smoking, you can reduce your chances of developing complications from P.A.D., as well as reduce the rate at which your arteries become clogged.

How to Quit

• If you would like to quit smoking, there are nicotine replacement products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, such as gums, lozenges and vapor inhalers that can relieve cravings and reduce symptoms of withdrawal. According to American Family Physician, products such as Zy-ban can help increase your overall chances of success with quitting smoking. You can speak with your physician about which treatments may be more suitable for you.

Exercise and Diet

• Exercises, such as walking, can help in your treatment of P.A.D. by helping your body use oxygen effectively. Eating a healthy diet also is important to help reduce the risk of clogging your arteries, reducing your blood pressure and maintaining a normal level of cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent diseases of your arteries. Foods such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts, soybeans, and flaxseeds are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If you can't tolerate the taste of fish, you can buy supplements at supermarkets that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Medications

• Medications may be prescribed to help prevent your chances of developing complications from P.A.D., such as a heart attack or stroke. You may be given cholesterol lowering medications known as statins to help lower your bad cholesterol. If you have high blood pressure, your physician may put you on beta blockers or ACE inhibitors to lower your blood pressure. Since P.A.D. can increase the development of blood clots, you may need to take aspirin. According to the Mayo Clinic, your physician also may prescribe a medication know as Plavix or Pletal to help prevent blood clots from forming. Pletal also helps to widen your blood vessels, as well as lesson your symptoms of leg pain.

Angioplasty & Surgery

• Angioplasty is a procedure in which a catheter is inserted into your affected artery, and a balloon inflates to open the affected artery. The artery also is stretched open by the balloon, which helps increase the blood flow through the affected artery. If your artery is almost fully blocked, a stent is put in place to keep your artery open. Bypass surgery is a procedure in which your physician bypasses the affected artery with a blood vessel taken from another area of your body to create a new source of blood flow. If you develop a clot in your artery, a clot-dissolving medication is injected directly at the source of clotting to dissolve the clot in a procedure known as thrombolytic therapy.