Understanding the Life Expectancy of a Person with PAD: Key Factors to Consider
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries outside your heart, mostly those in legs and feet, become narrow and restrict blood flow to these areas. PAD can cause severe pain in your legs while walking and predict the possibility of coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke. Although PAD affects around 20% of people aged 70 years or older, many people remain unaware of it. This article provides an understanding of the life expectancy of a person with PAD, key factors to consider, and ways to manage the condition to lead a healthy life.
Life expectancy for a person with PAD
The life expectancy of a person with PAD depends upon various factors, including age, gender, race, and the severity of the condition. Research shows that the life expectancy of a person with PAD is shorter than that of someone without PAD. An article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that the average life expectancy of a person with PAD is 73.5 years, while that of people without PAD is 83.1 years. However, many factors influence this judgment, including other underlying medical conditions, healthy habits and lifestyle choices, and adherence to treatment procedures.
Key factors to consider
Age: Age is the most crucial factor in determining the life expectancy of PAD patients. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), people above the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing PAD than younger people.
Sex: Men tend to develop PAD more often than women, and they are also more likely to experience complications.
Race: The risk of developing PAD is higher among African American and Hispanic populations compared to Caucasians or Asian Americans.
Risk factors: Lifestyle choices and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure, increase the risk of developing PAD.
Severity of condition: The more severe your PAD condition, the higher the chances of developing complications, which could impact your life expectancy.
Ways to manage PAD to lead a healthy life
Although there is no cure for PAD, many effective treatment options can manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The following tips can help manage PAD and lead a healthy life:
1. Quit smoking – smoking increases the risk of developing PAD and hinders blood flow, which exacerbates the condition.
2. Exercise regularly – exercise strengthens muscles and improves circulation, which helps reduce the pain caused by PAD. Walking, cycling, and swimming are great options.
3. Follow a healthy diet – a balanced and nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean protein sources can help control underlying medical conditions and reduce the severity of PAD.
4. Manage other underlying conditions – maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, controlling blood sugar levels, and losing weight can positively impact your condition.
5. Take prescribed medications – aspirin, statins, and other medications prescribed by your doctor can help manage the symptoms, prevent complications, and improve life expectancy.
Conclusion
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a serious and life-threatening condition, especially when left untreated. Although there is no cure, managing the condition through a healthy lifestyle, controlling underlying medical conditions, and adhering to medical procedures can prolong your life expectancy. Age, sex, race, risk factors, and the severity of the condition all factor into your life expectancy as a person with PAD. Stay proactive, seek preventative care, and make healthy choices to manage your PAD, seek professional medical advice if needed to manage your condition.
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