Heart Health Series - Part 2

Prevent Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) 

According to a study in the November 2018 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, good cardiovascular health may substantially lower your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrowed or blocked with fatty deposits it leads to PAD. This condition typically causes cramping pain in the legs when walking.

The prevalence of peripheral artery disease in India is estimated at 41 to 54 million according to the SAGE group. Vast majority of PAD is caused by atherosclerosis. It is a major cause of lower limb symptoms, disability and limb loss. With the rise in aging population, the prevalence of PAD is also on the increase.

A study by NIH found that women had a higher prevalence of PAD. Older age, female gender and duration of diabetes were related to an increased incidence of PAD.

In a study, researchers evaluated adherence to "Life's Simple 7" guidelines among almost 13,000 people who were free from PAD or other cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.

Comparing with people who did not follow Life's Simple 7, those with average and optimal adherence to it cut their risk of PAD by 64% and 91%, respectively.

Life's Simple 7 guidelines emphasize on:

1. Managing blood pressure
2. Controlling cholesterol
3. Reducing blood sugar
4. Getting sufficient physical activity
5. Eating better
6. Maintaining a healthy weight, and
7. Quitting smoking.

Risk Factors:

Mary L. Yost, President, The Sage Group, observed that risk factors for PAD among Indians “increased with age, duration of diabetes, hypertension, abnormal HbA1c levels, smoking and dyslipidemia”

So, follow the 7 simple guidelines through lifestyle changes and control risk factors such as blood sugar levels, hypertension, lipid levels, body weight and smoking habit, to stay heart healthy.