When the heart fails to pump blood to the legs due to any obstruction in vessels that may cause hurdles, blood circulation in the legs stops. Then, the condition of peripheral arterial disease rises. The primary cause of this disease is atherosclerosis, when a fatty plaque is built up in the arteries. This condition may happen in any part of the body, but in most cases, the legs are the main target of this disease. In this article, we are going to talk about which Vitamins to take for PAD treatment.
Causes of PAD
- Smoking
- Atherosclerosis
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
The causes mentioned above are the root causes of PAD. Men and women both can be affected by this disease.
Signs and Symptoms of PAD
A person with peripheral arterial disease may experience frequent leg pain during walking and daily activities, which may improve after rest. Some patients may not share this symptom. Muscle weakness and hair loss are some of the significant visible symptoms of this disease.
How is PAD Diagnosed?
To diagnose PAD, the health care specialist may check and compare the blood pressure of your ankles and arms (at rest and after workout). This test is ankle-brachial index (ABI). Some imaging tests may also done, which are listed below:
- Ultrasound
- Angiographies (Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography)
How Can I Prevent PAD?
Following is a list of some tips that may help you to prevent yourself from PAD or may help you control PAD symptoms;
- The first and best tip is to do plenty of physical activity. Try to engage yourself with long walks so that your blood circulation may improve. This can result in preventing you from PAD or may help you to live an everyday life with PAD symptoms.
- Try to decrease your tobacco intake. Decrease your smoking habits. Because smoking and tobacco both increase the risk of getting PAD or may improve its symptoms.
- To decrease your chance of getting affected by this disease. Try to control your blood pressure and diabetes.
Minerals / Vitamins to take For PAD Treatment:
The best way to treat PAD or control PAD symptoms is to change your lifestyle and diet. The more healthy and nutritious foods you eat, the chances for your body to function correctly increase. Hence, the possibility of getting Peripheral arterial disease may decrease as well. Some of the most affected fats, minerals, and vitamins in this regard are listed below;
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Flavonols
- Vitamin K
Omega 3 fatty acids: To prevent atherosclerosis, it is essential to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Foods that are ideal sources of omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
Flavonols: Flavonols are the essential compounds that naturally help your PAD symptoms by lowering your blood pressure. This may also prevent your body from making blood clots and improve blood circulation.
Vitamin K: Vitamin k1 and vitamin k2 may improve your PAD symptoms and reduce the risk of getting this disease. We can get vitamin K from various vegetables and animal sources.