RISK OF HEART ATTACK OR STROKE?
If you have PAD then you are at even greater risk of a heart attack or stroke. You face the same risk of heart attack or stroke as a patient who has already had one.
Reducing the overall risk factors will also reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
The risk factors for PAD are the same as for a heart attack or stroke. Each individual risk factor increases with risk of PAD. The combination of several risk factors makes it particularly dangerous and greatly increases the risk of PAD.
There are certain factors which cannot be influenced, such as age, gender, and predisposition. However, some risk factors are reversible.
The following are a list of the main risk factors for PAD, most of which you can reduce based on your lifestyle choices:
- Diabetes – Diabetes greatly increases the risk of PAD as well as heart attack or stroke. If you have diabetes, you need to take extra precaution and discuss this with your doctor
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Being overweight
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR PAD RISK
The best way is prevention. You should be aware of the risk factors and make sure you keep them under control. Also, your doctor may prescribe drugs and procedures, which may be used to help prevent or treat PAD.
There are several ways you can reduce your PAD risk, which includes the following:
- Do not smoke
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid stress
- Keep your cholesterol low
- Keep your blood pressure low
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Physical Training
In the early stages of PAD, walking exercises are used for treatment. The goal is to reduce symptoms and increase walking distance. Regular exercise has also been shown to be highly effective treatment which can improve the blood flow. Your doctor will be happy to discuss a suitable fitness program with you.