Healthy Strategies to Prevent Peripheral Arterial Disease

Arteries are crucial blood vessels in your circulatory system. These vessels usually carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of your body. This way, different body tissues get the nourishment necessary for your survival. Stronger artery walls help these vessels to withstand high blood pressure, especially near the heart. However, if plaque build-up within the arteries due to peripheral arterial disease El Paso, these vessels may not operate optimally. Consequently, the body tissues relying on these vessels do not get adequate oxygen supply leading to numbness and tingling, especially in the lower extremities. While certain factors, like genetic factors, are uncontrollable, the following strategies can help minimize the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Quit Smoking

Another reason to stop the smoking habit is for PAD prevention. Cigarette toxins constrict arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. Over time you will notice tiredness and discomfort, especially in your legs. Therefore, if you are a smoker, this is the best time to stop this habit. Start by seeking moral support from your friends and family members. You can also contact professional rehabilitation programs, especially if the above measures are ineffective.

Eat Right

Whatever you eat dictates many aspects of your health. For example, eating highly refined meals can upsurge cholesterol levels in your body. Many people with high cholesterol levels have reported many cases of PAD. It would help if you were mindful of whatever you put on your plate. Load your plate with meals having low saturated and trans fats such as low-fat dairy products. A healthy diet will also help improve other health aspects like immunity.

Exercise Regularly

Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent PAD. Exercises, especially cardio exercises, strengthen the heart muscles improving blood circulation. Proper blood circulation is ideal for slowing the onset of residue formation along arteries. Develop a strict exercise plan and stick to it to realize optimal benefits. Always start slow and build your endurance as you progress with exercises such as cycling.

Being Mindful of Your Medications

Do you know that certain medications can increase the risk of PAD? Some people lean on pseudoephedrine to suppress allergy symptoms. Nevertheless, like many medications, these drugs have some side effects. For example, over time, these drugs can narrow blood vessels, thus worsening PAD symptoms. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider about alternative drugs that do not negatively impact your arteries.

Manage Diabetes

Diabetic individuals are more predisposed to PAD. Insulin resistance usually upsurges glucose levels in the bloodstream. High blood sugar triggers inflammation leading to blood vessel abnormalities. Therefore, if you have diabetes, you should work closely with your primary care provider. Your doctor will educate you on the necessary ways to keep this chronic condition under control.    Consequently, you will be in a good position to lower the likelihood of atherosclerosis.

Peripheral arterial disease is one of the leading artery concerns. It occurs when plaque accumulates in these blood vessels reducing blood flow. A limited supply of blood to tissues lowers oxygen nourishment which causes symptoms like numbness in your leg. The good news is that embracing certain health strategies can help you prevent PAD. For example, smoking cessation will help to avoid blood vessel narrowing. However, you should seek relevant treatment options if you notice leg weakness despite the preventive measures.