Your arteries play a crucial role in pumping the oxygenated blood rich in nutrients into different body parts. The arteries ensure that all your organs and tissues get what they want to keep them alive. However, peripheral arterial disease( PAD) can interfere with the functioning of the arteries, especially the ones supplying the blood to your leg. This condition usually occurs when cholesterol accumulates in your arteries, limiting the blood flow, a condition called atherosclerosis. PAD can cause leg pain and other discomforts. Therefore, you should contact Coconut Creek, FL nurse practitioner for effective treatments if you suspect the PAD symptoms. Here are 5 tips that can help you to prevent PAD.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the risk factors for many health conditions, including PAD. Cigarette chemicals usually cause the narrowing of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the lower body parts. Therefore, you should take the appropriate steps to kick this habit if you smoke. Consult your doctor about a relevant program to stop smoking successfully.
Physical Exercises
How often do you engage in the workouts? If you rarely conduct physical activities, you should understand that you are susceptible to PAD. Therefore, you should make the exercises part of your daily plan. Essentially, regular exercises boost blood circulation, which helps to reduce the chances of cramping and pain in your leg. Start with low-impact exercise such as walking and eventually enroll on the treadmill activities for your leg.
Eat the Healthy Diet
The high cholesterol levels in the meal you take can increase your vulnerability to PAD. Usually, the unhealthy fat accumulates in the arteries, thus restricting the blood flow to the legs. It would be best if you therefore aimed at the dietary plan with the low saturated fat to cut down the cholesterol levels in your body. Eat a balanced diet with a high percentage of fruits and vegetables to boost the wellness of the circulatory systems.
Manage Your Diabetes
Individuals with diabetic conditions experience worsening PAD symptoms, especially when they cannot monitor their glucose levels. Notably, high blood sugars damage the cells within the arteries, reducing the arteries’ flexibility in pumping the blood. You should talk with your provider to know the best ways to keep your sugar levels at healthy ranges.
Take Medications
Certain medications can help to reduce the risk of developing PAD. For example, statins can help lower cholesterol in the body, thus safeguarding you from artery narrowing. You should follow the right prescriptions as your healthcare provider recommends when taking these medications.
Are you a victim of peripheral artery disease? Millions of people often live with PAD which limits the quality of their lives due to leg swelling and pain. If you are one of them, it is time to seek an effective remedy. At South Florida Vascular Associates, a team of experienced professionals conducts different vascular radiology techniques for patients with PAD symptoms. Click the online booking tool or call their office today to get started.
