Question 1

how long should arteriosclerosis of extremities last?

Accepted Answer

Lifelong: There is no way to significantly reverse arteriosclerosis.  The calcified cholesterol plaques will remain there lifelong.  The goal is to prevent this,  reduce further development, and reduce the potential problems associated with it - heart attack, stroke, leg claudication.

Question 2

what sort of problem is arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

Arteriosclerosis: Arteriosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.  This happens from fat, cholesterol or other harmful substances stick to the wall of the artery and form a plaque.  Over time, the plaque can grow and end up closing off most of the artery.  This causes a decreased blood flow and you can get problems with the extremities from them not getting enough blood.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

Claudication: Cramping in the extremity with use, is usually the first symptom. As it progresses rest pain, change in coloring, and in extreme cases gangrene.

Question 4

what does it mean when you have arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

PAD: Peripheral arterial disease is caused by cholesterol build up that narrows the arteries carrying oxygen and blood flow to the legs.  Most patients have no symptoms and are diagnosed with an abi, measuring blood pressure in the legs. Treatment is lowering cholesterol, exercise, not smoking, and controlling blood pressure.

Question 5

the thought of getting arteriosclerosis of extremities scares me. what are risk factors for it?

Accepted Answer

A few: Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, genetic predisposition.

Question 6

my adult kids are worried about my health now that i have arteriosclerosis of extremities. what should i tell them?

Accepted Answer

You can do it...: Reassure them that you are doing what it takes to improve your health.  This includes eating healthy, quitting smoking, regular exercise per direction of your doctor and take prescribed medications which may include blood pressure and cholesterol lowering medications, Aspirin or clopidogrel.  The goal is to decrease risk of heart attack and stroke in addition to improving circulation in your legs.

Question 7

how to treat arteriosclerosis of extremities quickly?

Accepted Answer

Medical management : In general, taking an Aspirin and statin medicine is the quickest way to begin treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Exercise, weight loss, blood pressure, and diabetes control can be improved immediately. Many people will get improvement with these measures alone. See your doctor before starting any new medicine or lifestyle change.

Question 8

what is the treatment for arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

PAD: Quitting smoking, couple with antiplatelet therapy, and vasodilator therapy.  Aggressive walking program will improve collateral circulation and reduce claudication pain.

Question 9

is arteriosclerosis reversible?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Don't believe everything you hear. Atherosclerosis can be stabilized with current meds/treatments but significant regression (>10%) is extremely difficult to demonstrate in humans. Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease. There is no "cure".

Question 10

can someone die from arteriosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It can result in heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, etc.

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Arteriosclerosis of extremities signs

A member asked:

How long should arteriosclerosis of extremities last?

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What sort of problem is arteriosclerosis of extremities?

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What are the symptoms of arteriosclerosis of extremities?

A member asked:

What does it mean when you have arteriosclerosis of extremities?

A member asked:

The thought of getting arteriosclerosis of extremities scares me. what are risk factors for it?

A member asked:

My adult kids are worried about my health now that i have arteriosclerosis of extremities. what should i tell them?

A member asked:

How to treat arteriosclerosis of extremities quickly?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for arteriosclerosis of extremities?

A member asked:

Is arteriosclerosis reversible?

A member asked:

Can someone die from arteriosclerosis?

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