Peripheral Arterial Disease
Running Header: Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease
April 22, 2010
ME 1352
Abstract Peripheral Arterial Disease is a common secondary disease that follows Atherosclerosis. Once so much plaque builds up in the arteries, they become block the blood flow. P.A.D. usually affects the lower extremities and can cause intermittent claudication and, if severe enough, gangrene. Many people live with atherosclerosis and P.A.D. and show no symptoms. There are numerous prevention methods for P.A.D that is similar to preventing any cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is by far, the best form of prevention.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Peripheral Arterial Disease or P.A.D. is a disorder that can occur when Atherosclerosis is present. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. Plaque is mostly made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Eventually, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, which in turn limits the flow of the oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body; therefore, PAD occurs when the major arteries that supply blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis become blocked. Peripheral Arterial Disease of the inferior arteries can cause pain when walking in the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and shins. (CDC) To understand more about this disease, it is important to understand the normal function of the descending abdominal aorta. The Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
In a homeostasis state, oxygenated blood flows from the heart into the aorta, which has 4 sections. The abdominal aorta splits into the right and left common iliac arteries that supply the pelvic organs, thigh, and lower extremities. (Saunders, 2007) The arteries then split again in the inguinal region into the femoral arteries and other small arteries. At the knee, they split once again
Peripheral Arterial Disease
April 22, 2010
ME 1352
Abstract Peripheral Arterial Disease is a common secondary disease that follows Atherosclerosis. Once so much plaque builds up in the arteries, they become block the blood flow. P.A.D. usually affects the lower extremities and can cause intermittent claudication and, if severe enough, gangrene. Many people live with atherosclerosis and P.A.D. and show no symptoms. There are numerous prevention methods for P.A.D that is similar to preventing any cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is by far, the best form of prevention.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Peripheral Arterial Disease or P.A.D. is a disorder that can occur when Atherosclerosis is present. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. Plaque is mostly made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Eventually, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, which in turn limits the flow of the oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body; therefore, PAD occurs when the major arteries that supply blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis become blocked. Peripheral Arterial Disease of the inferior arteries can cause pain when walking in the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and shins. (CDC) To understand more about this disease, it is important to understand the normal function of the descending abdominal aorta. The Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
In a homeostasis state, oxygenated blood flows from the heart into the aorta, which has 4 sections. The abdominal aorta splits into the right and left common iliac arteries that supply the pelvic organs, thigh, and lower extremities. (Saunders, 2007) The arteries then split again in the inguinal region into the femoral arteries and other small arteries. At the knee, they split once again
References: C., J., Sinatra., Zucker, M., & Roberts, M. (2008). Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stop Deadly Cardiovascular Plaque Before It 's Too Late. New York, NY: Wiley. CDC - DHDSP - Heart Disease Prevention: What You Can Do. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 21, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/what_you_can_do.htm Herlihy, B. (2007). Human Body in Health and Illness (3Rev Ed ed.). San Antonio: Saunders Book Company. Layden, J., & Salgo, P. (2004). The Heart of the Matter: The Three Key Breakthroughs to Preventing Heart Attacks (1st ed.). New York: William Morrow. NHLBI: Information for the Public. (n.d.). National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Retrieved April 21, 2010, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. (n.d.). University of Virginia Health System. Retrieved April 21, 2010, from http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/adult_cardiac/smoke.cfm Venes, D. (2005). Taber 's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (Taber 's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (Thumb Index)) (20 Revised ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.