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PAD-related leg pain is relieved only by rest. Leg pain occurs in one leg in 40%
of patients and in both legs in 60% of patients. Patients may also experience
fatigue or pain in the thighs and buttocks.
Intermittent claudication seems to
be a fairly common aliment among people over 50. The
Edinburgh Artery study examined this question. About 4 out of every 100
(4%) people over the age of 55 years experienced symptoms, but there was
evidence of hardening of the arteries in a further 25% of patients who were not
experiencing symptoms. In general PVD is commoner in men.
Pain
develops because there is a narrowing or blockage in the main artery taking
blood to the leg due to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Over the
years cholesterol and calcium build up inside the arteries. This occurs much
earlier in people who smoke and those who have diabetes or high levels of
cholesterol in the blood.
The
blockage in the arteries means that the blood flow is reduced. At rest there is
enough oxygen in the blood reaching the muscles to prevent any symptoms. When
walking the calf muscles need more oxygen, but because the blood flow is
restricted the muscles cannot obtain enough oxygen from the blood and cramp
occurs. This is made better by resting for a few minutes. If greater demands are
made on the muscles, such as walking uphill, the pain comes on more quickly.
Many patients also notice that if they are carrying heavy bags the pain comes on
sooner because the leg muscles are having to work harder.
In
some patients the blood flow to the legs can be so restricted that there is
barely sufficient oxygen reaching the tissues even while resting. In these
patients severe pain can develop particularly at night and it is only eased when
the leg is dangled down over the edge of the bed. When this happens and tests
show reduced blood flow, then critical limb ischemia has developed and the leg
is at risk of amputation.
When
this is diagnosed most MD's will start the patient on blood thinners and
other drugs to improve your circulation. Remember drugs is the key word here.
Drugs are dangerous and can cause a great deal of problems and possible death.
My advice do some research first. There are many natural means to improve
circulation. One of the best in my opinion is Oral and IV Chelation.
IV Chelation is more expensive but
is quicker to act. Oral Chelation is slower to
act but has been shown to be effective if you keep at it. I know one thing for
sure. I have taken both and I do not have PAD or claudication anymore. Here is
what I use to keep my arteries clean.
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