Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which plaque builds up in the arteries of the extremities, most commonly in the legs. This buildup of plaque reduces blood flow to the legs, leading to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and fatigue. PAD is often associated with other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs that occurs when walking or exercising and is relieved by rest. Other symptoms may include leg numbness, coldness, sores that do not heal, color changes in the feet, and slow growth of toenails.

Diagnosis of PAD is done through physical exam, medical history, and imaging tests such as ultrasounds and angiograms. It is important to diagnose PAD early as it can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Treatment of PAD typically involves lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure, and exercising regularly. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as statins, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs. In some cases, surgery or angioplasty may be recommended to open blocked arteries.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common condition in which the pressure of the blood in the arteries is higher than normal. Symptoms of high blood pressure may include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Diagnosis of hypertension involves measuring your blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. Treatment of high blood pressure involves lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. In some cases, medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure.

High cholesterol is a condition in which the body has an abnormally high level of cholesterol in the blood. It can be caused by lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet or lack of physical activity, or it can be genetic. Symptoms of high cholesterol may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis of high cholesterol is typically done through a blood test. Treatment for high cholesterol includes lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, as well as medications such as statins. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce cholesterol levels.

Cardiac Ischemia is a condition in which the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen due to a decrease in blood flow. It can be caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. Symptoms of cardiac ischemia may include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or stress test. Treatment can include medications to improve blood flow, lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors, and surgery to open blocked arteries.

Mitral stenosis is a condition in which the mitral valve in the heart does not open properly, resulting in decreased blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and swelling of the legs. Diagnosis is made through physical examination, echocardiography, and other tests. Treatment involves medications to reduce symptoms and a procedure called balloon valvuloplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure that opens the valve and increases blood flow. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to replace the valve. With proper treatment, many people with mitral stenosis can lead full and active lives.

Mitral valve regurgitation is a heart condition in which the one-way valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart fails and is unable to keep blood flowing in the correct direction. Symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation can include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, and swelling of the legs and abdomen. Diagnosis is made with an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound that creates pictures of the heart. Treatment of mitral valve regurgitation can include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Surgery may involve repairing the existing valve or replacing it with an artificial valve.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a disorder of the heart’s mitral valve, which is located between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. MVP occurs when the valve’s leaflets do not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart’s upper chamber. Symptoms of MVP can include shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, chest pain and dizziness. Diagnosis of MVP is usually done through an echocardiogram. Treatment of MVP is often not necessary and may include lifestyle modifications and medications. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace the valve.

A brain stroke occurs when there is an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain, typically caused by a blockage or a rupture of a blood vessel. Symptoms of a brain stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance. Diagnosis of a brain stroke can be done through a physical exam and imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. Treatment for a brain stroke typically involves medications such as clot-busting drugs and anticoagulants to help break up and prevent blood clots, as well as rehabilitation therapy to help with physical and cognitive effects.

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lungs that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include chest pain, shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. Diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination, an imaging test, and a blood test. Treatment typically involves giving anticoagulants to prevent further clotting, and in some cases, a procedure to remove the clot.

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the aorta, which is the main artery of the body. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta, but most commonly occur in the abdominal aorta. Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm include abdominal or back pain, a pulsating feeling in the abdomen, fatigue, and sweating. Diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm can be made through imaging tests such as CT scans, ultrasound, or MRI. Treatment for aortic aneurysms may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the size and location of the aneurysm.