Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a serious vascular condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is caused by circulation problems in the extremities, often due to arteriosclerosis. Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe pain, wounds, and even amputations. However, thanks to innovative diagnostic technologies—such as a vascular check—it is now possible to take early action to effectively treat the disease and improve patients’ quality of life.
This article explores the diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive measures that can have a significant impact on the progression of PAD.
What Is PAD and How Does It Develop?
PAD occurs when arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the limbs become narrowed or blocked. Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels play a central role in its development.
Typical symptoms include leg pain when walking (claudication), cold feet, or non-healing wounds. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to intervene early and prevent disease progression.
Diagnostic Methods for PAD
Early and precise diagnosis is essential for positively influencing the course of PAD. In addition to medical history and clinical examinations, modern diagnostic tools such as a vascular check are indispensable:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI):
This method measures blood pressure at the ankles and compares it to blood pressure at the arms. A low ABI value indicates Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). However, there are some disadvantages to consider: the results are examiner-dependent and can be influenced by high blood pressure (affecting 25% of the population) and calcified arteries (up to 30% of diabetics). - Modern Oscillography Devices, such as the AngE™ ABI+:
This device measures the ABI in just a few minutes with high precision and independence from blood pressure, enabling a quick and reliable diagnosis. The advantages include that the device is delegable, meaning it is user-independent, and the results remain reliable even in cases of high blood pressure or calcified arteries (media sclerosis). - Additional Examinations: Imaging methods like ultrasound or MRI can further support the diagnosis but are often used in more advanced stages.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and aims to improve circulation and prevent complications:
Conservative measures
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity are essential.
- Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering agents, and blood pressure medications can help slow the disease’s progression.
Interventional Procedures
- Angioplasty: Widening narrowed arteries with a balloon catheter.
- Stent Placement: Inserting stents to keep the arteries open.
These minimally invasive techniques restore blood flow effectively.
Surgical Interventions
- Bypass Surgery: Redirecting blood flow around blocked arteries in severe cases.
Prevention: The Crucial Role of Vascular Checks
Prevention begins with reducing risk factors like smoking and physical inactivity. Early diagnostics also play a central role. Devices like the AngE™ System enable healthcare professionals to detect even minor vascular changes and take preventive action.
The AngE™ ABI+ not only provides precise measurements but also optimizes efficiency in everyday clinical practice. This user-independent and delegable device ensures quick and reliable decisions, allowing physicians to offer targeted advice to their patients.
Get additional information about PAD here.
Conclusion: Combating PAD with Modern Diagnostics
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a serious condition, but its progression can often be slowed or even halted through early diagnosis and targeted therapy. Vascular checks enabled by the AngE™ ABI+ provide precise and rapid diagnoses while simplifying the integration of advanced vascular diagnostics into daily practice—user-independent, blood pressure-independent, and fast.
Combining a healthy lifestyle with innovative diagnostic tools creates the best conditions for sustainably improving the quality of life for PAD patients.
Read more about how to early detect PAD in 3 minutes here.
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