DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cardiac Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease

MODERATE

Narrowing of peripheral arteries, usually in the legs, due to atherosclerosis. Reduces blood flow to limbs causing pain with walking (claudication). Strong marker for cardiovascular disease elsewhere. Increases risk of heart attack and stroke.

Global Affected

230.0M

Countries

89

Symptoms

Leg pain when walking (claudication)
Numbness/weakness in legs
Cold legs/feet
Sores that won't heal
Hair loss on legs
Shiny skin on legs
Weak/no pulse in legs
Erectile dysfunction (men)

Treatment Options

Supervised exercise program
Aspirin/antiplatelet therapy
Statins
ACE inhibitors
Cilostazol
Pentoxifylline
Angioplasty with stenting
Bypass surgery
Smoking cessation
Diabetes/blood pressure control

Risk Factors

1Smoking
2Diabetes
3High cholesterol
4Hypertension
5Age (>50)
6Obesity
7Family history
8High homocysteine
9Chronic kidney disease

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
  • 2Doppler ultrasound
  • 3CT angiography
  • 4MR angiography
  • 5Angiography
  • 6Segmental pressure measurement
  • 7Pulse volume recording

Prognosis

5-year mortality similar to some cancers. High risk of MI, stroke, cardiovascular death. Limb loss risk 1-2% annually. Much improved with risk factor modification and revascularization.

Prevention

  • Smoking cessation
  • Diabetes control
  • Blood pressure control
  • Cholesterol management
  • Regular exercise
  • Weight management
  • Antiplatelet therapy (high-risk)
  • Regular screening (age >65 or risk factors)

Research Status

Supervised exercise programs first-line. Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel). Statin therapy essential. ACE inhibitors. Cilostazol for claudication. Revascularization (angioplasty, bypass) for severe cases. Aggressive cardiovascular risk factor modification.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaChinaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLKMMKHLAMNKPUzbekistanKazakhstanKGTJTMAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMKMESerbiaXK

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/pad.htm
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease
  • https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.