Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I would explain that Peripheral artery disease is a disorder, characterized by progressive occlusion of peripheral arteries. The main cause for this disorder is atherosclerosis.

Cardio-vascular risk factors (who contribute in the development of this disorder) are:

- positive family history
- arterial hypertension
- dyslipidemia (high cholesterol levels)
- smoking and alcohol intake
- obezity and sedentary life (lack of physical activity)
- diabetes.

The disorder is typically progressive, with progressive narrowing of peripheral arteries (including leg vessels, coronary arteries, carotid and vertebral arteries, etc.).

There are different noninvasive tests to investigate for this possible disorder:

- Doppler ultrasound of the vessels (in the legs and arms and also carotid arteries)
- Angio- CT scan of peripheral vessels (limbs and neck)
- Angio- MRI of the peripheral vessels, which is an excellent test to investigate for the blood flow and also examine the lumen of the arteries, possible atherosclerotic plaques and the presence of inflammation in them.

I would also advise performing blood lab tests to investigate for possible risk factors like diabetes and dyslipidemia:

- complete blood count
- fasting glucose and HbA1C
- blood lipid profile
- inflammation tests (some inflammatory disorders can precipit progression of atherosclerosis).
- kidney and liver function tests.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.

Meanwhile, I recommend avoiding all the above cardio-vascular risk factors (smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure, alcohol intake) and modify your lifestyle (use a Mediterranean diet and perform a lot of physical activity).

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information.

Regarding diverticulitis, it is not related to peripheral artery disease. So relax and do not worry about it.

Regarding infrarenal abdominal aortic calcification, they could be related to old atherosclerotic plaque. You should know that during the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, calcium is deposited in these plaques, leading to calcification of the aorta.

Aorta is a large vessel, and it can also be affected from atherosclerosis, in conjunction to the peripheral artery disease.

This disorder of aorta can be detected with the same above mentioned tests (Doppler ultrasound, angion CT scan and MRA), but in another section of the body (abdomen) and not the limbs (like in peripheral artery disease).

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri

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