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Cardiac disease is theMain cause of death In the United States, representing more than 650,000 mortalities a year. Behind many of these deaths is atherosclerosis, a condition in which arteries become hardened and reduced due to greasy plaque accumulation, obstructing blood flow.

The location of the obstruction determines the type of condition you have. If it is in the outer extremities - the arms or legs, for example - it is known as the disease of the peripheral artery (PAD). If it is in the arteries that provide blood directly into the heart, it is known as the coronary artery disease (CAD) - and this is the main cause ofDeaths related to the heart.

Both conditions, although separated, are closely linked: the same plaque causing an accumulation in a body area is likely to wreak havoc in others. "Thebuffer effects May extend beyond the affected member. The circulatory system of the body is interconnected, "explains the Clinic of Cleveland." Patients with atherosclerosis legs generally have atherosclerosis in other parts of the body. Therefore, it is not surprising that patients withmalaise of the peripheral artery Are at greater risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, a transient ischemic attack ("mini-caress") or problems with renal arteries (renal), add their experts.

That's exactly why it's so essential to know the signs of this serious illness - andhave your heart projected If you notice any symptoms of the buffer. In particular, the Mayo clinic highlights a light on a surprising symptom that you could notice in your legs - and it's something you can otherwise forget. Read more about this main red flag and what to do if you notice it on your own body ..

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According to the Mayo clinic, haveshiny skin on your legs-Thankly your lower legs-can indicate a peripheral artery disease. This is because the restricted circulation due to the buffer can cause a blood swimming pool in the lower ends, change the color and texture of the skin on your legs.

The National Health Service of the U.K. (NHS) adds thatIf you have the buffer, your legs can become "pale, shiny, smooth" or even "blue". In addition, some people lose hair on their legs or find that their leg hair grows more slowly, making the skin on the skin more noticeable.

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In addition to the changes in the appearance of the legs, the Mayo clinic says if you have a peripheral artery disease, you will probably find the pain, the alien, the weakness or numbness in your legs or your hips, especially after physical activity. Similarly, if the blocking is located in your arms, you may notice "Pain or Cramps" in this area when you perform manual tasks.

Many people with cushion notice cold and a low pulse in the affected area - the two signs that the traffic is compromised. In some cases, you may notice slower growth of nails, orlegs on the legs, feet or toes that do not seem to heal.

If youto do Discover wounds as part of the pad, it's a serious sign you needimmediate medical care. According to the clinic of Cleveland, "these wounds can develop in areas of death tissue (gangrene) that ultimately require an amputation of the foot or leg".

If this does not concern enough cause to a concern, living with long-term PAD greatly increases your risk of heart attack. In fact, a study published in the journalBMC cardiovascular disorders have found that those with peripheral artery disease are six times more likely to undergo aCoronary episode or cerebral vascular accident that those who do not do it.

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According to the American Heart Association, people oftenConfuse the symptoms of the buffer For something else, and the disease is not distinguished by health professionals.

A vascular surgeon echoed this concern by speaking of society for vascular surgery. "A lot of time when patients complain about the pain of the leg isbadly diagnosed as something else, like back pain, "saysKatherine Gallagher, MD, researcher at the University of Michigan. "They can be referred to other doctors and sometimes have procedures such as back surgery that can not relieve pain. Only they are diagnosed with buffer," she added.

However, there are good news for people involved in the disease. Gallagher says that once the diagnosis, it can be managed simply with a combination of drugs and Lifestyle Changes . "If the patient follows the physician's orders, he has a 75% chance that his PAD does not get worse. The exercise, like walking on a treadmill, has been judged an effective way to reduce pain, and In fact, the supervised exercise has just officially been approved for the refund of Medicare and Medicaid, "says the surgeon.

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