Practical Guide about PAD

↪ Canadian Foundation for Vascular Health 10 4.3. More thorough examinations In some patients, more thorough examinations are sometimes necessary. They are particularly helpful ahead of a procedure to unblock an artery or perform a bypass. There are 2 imaging exams: computed tomography angiography (CT angio) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For a CT angio , the patient lies on an examining table. A liquid, iodine, is injected into a vein in the arm to highlight the arteries when an X-ray is used to take images. Although very effective, this technique is expensive, exposes patients to radiation and is relatively contraindicated in patients with severe kidney disease. For an MRI , the patient also lies in a tunnel and may, in some cases, receive a product in the veins (gadolinium). Using a magnet which generates an electromagnetic field, the MRI produces very precise images of blood vessels without exposing the patient to X-rays. However, this exam is very expensive and less accessible. This exam is not recommended in patients with very severe kidney failure. 5. How will peripheral artery disease affect my daily life? PAD often has significant impacts on the quality of life and daily functioning of individuals who have it. In particular, it may limit getting around, which is necessary for the vast majority of activities such as work, household tasks, recreation and family/social activities. Feelingmore tiredmay also impact carrying out some daily activities. As well as these limitations, PAD may cause fairly intense and frequent pain or discomfort, which can also affect mood and quality of life generally. Since PAD is chronic, in other words, it persists and lasts over time, its impacts may have a ripple effect to varying degrees. Fortunately, there are effective interventions for managing it and reducing its consequences. In all cases, managing PAD includes regular physical activity such as walking and long-term changes to other lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, eating well and reducing stress/anxiety, etc. These changes are often very beneficial, but usually require many significant daily changes. However, it is important to recognize that changing lifestyle habits is a major challenge which can be difficult to overcome, and also to maintain over time. The good news! The good news is that the impact of regular physical activity on PAD symptoms is often felt in the first three months of making the change. As well, introducing physical activity and improving lifestyle habits are associated with increased energy and physical endurance, along with improved psychological well-being and general quality of life.