PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE
PROBLEM
Peripheral arterial disease is a condition in which fatty deposits build up on the inside of vessels that carry blood to the hands and feet. This makes it difficult for blood to travel to hands and feet, which causes pain with activity and when resting. If these blockages increase in size, the pain will also worsen; infections can also occur, which could lead to amputation.
CAUSES
Many things cause these fatty deposits to build up inside arteries. Some factors such as age, gender, and genetics cannot be changed. Others can be changed; these include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excessive weight.
PREVENTION
A.Stop smoking. It is never too late to stop smoking.
B.To prevent injury that could progress into an infection, do the following:
1.Wear well-fitting shoes that protect your feet.
2.Look and feel inside your shoes before putting them on.
3.Look at your feet daily for any signs of injury or infection.
4.Dry feet well after bathing, including between toes.
5.Do not trim your own toenails or shave off calluses. A healthcare provider should do this for you to prevent infection.
6.Do not use a heating pad or hot water on your hands or feet to keep warm. Wear gloves or socks instead.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Take your medications as ordered by your healthcare provider.
B.Effectively manage all other medical conditions, paying special attention to cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
C.Follow up with your primary healthcare provider and/or cardiologist on a regularly scheduled basis.
Activity:
A.Get regular exercise, after discussing with your healthcare provider the type and frequency of exercise that is safe for you.
Diet:
A.Discuss the type of diet that best suits your needs: Diabetic diet, low-fat diet, low-cholesterol diet, and/or low-sodium diet.
B.Follow the dietary guidelines suggested by your healthcare provider.
Medications:
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have the following:
A.Contact the office if you have any of these symptoms:
1.Worsening pain in arm or leg.
2.Fever over 101°F.
3.Any change in feeling of a hand or foot.
4.Any change in the color of a hand or foot.
5.Difficulty walking.
6.Vomiting or other illness that causes you to miss more than one dose of your medications.
7.If taking aspirin and have any of these symptoms:
a.Vomit that is bright red or dark and looks like coffee grounds or grape jelly.
b.Blood in your bowel movements (BMs) that look black or tarry in color
B.Contact the office if you are experiencing any new symptom(s) not present at your last office visit.
C.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCE
Vascular Cures–PAD: http://vascularcures.org/peripheral-artery-disease-pad
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE