If, at any time, you suspect you may be suffering from PAD, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare professional to obtain an assessment of your blood circulation! Health professionals are qualified to assess your symptoms, or to refer you to the right person for such an assessment.
Unless surgery is performed, there is no medical intervention that can make your symptoms disappear overnight!
However, if your walking program does not seem to improve your symptoms or endurance after a few months, it may be advisable to see a healthcare professional for a reassessment.
In addition, if sores develop for no apparent reason on your affected limbs, or if injuries are slow to heal or get worse instead of better, make an appointment quickly!
Patients with PAD are at higher risk of developing heart disease. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or loss of consciousness, go to a hospital emergency room. All of these symptoms could be due to a potentially fatal heart disease, especially if they occur during physical exertion or following intense emotions!
In addition, in rare cases, cholesterol plaques blocking your arteries can move through your arteries and block your circulation, causing you to experience significant or rapidly worsening pain in your legs, even at rest. Another sign could be the appearance of gangrene, which can lead to black toes or pale skin on your limbs due to lack of blood, or even paralysis. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room!