Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease occurs when fatty plaques narrow the arteries carrying blood to the legs and feet. Tissues beyond the narrowing get less oxygen than required. The usual first clue is an ache or cramp in the calf, thigh or buttock during walking, which eases with rest. More advanced narrowing can cause resting pain or foot sores that heal poorly.
Medicine used to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease
Key points
- Plaque inside leg arteries reduces blood flow to the lower limbs and feet.
- Walking-related calf, thigh or buttock ache that settles on rest is the common pattern.
- Antiplatelet treatment is used because narrowed arteries also make clots more likely.
How PAD affects circulation
The build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries is the central change. As the vessel channel narrows, muscles and skin receive less oxygen. Clots can also form within these narrowed segments, which may block flow further.
Recognising symptoms
Claudication is the typical symptom: an ache or cramp in the calf, thigh or buttock that begins with walking and fades after a pause. Severe disease may bring pain at rest. Sores on the feet can be slow to heal.
Antiplatelet treatment
An antiplatelet medicine lowers the chance that platelets clump, which is a standard safeguard when arteries are narrowed. Clopidogrel is a widely used antiplatelet for peripheral arterial disease. Plavix contains clopidogrel and is supplied as a 75mg tablet; its uses include atherothrombotic events, myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Smoking cessation matters, as does keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control; regular activity also helps slow the disease. A doctor can assess whether angioplasty is appropriate for advanced cases. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
When to seek urgent help
A limb that suddenly becomes cold, pale or numb may have an acute arterial blockage. Seek emergency care immediately.
Further reading
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