Leg Cramps Could Signal Future
Heart Problems
Some people with clogged leg arteries are given a sign:
pain in the calves, thighs or buttocks when they walk
or perform other types of exercise. After five to 10
minutes of rest, the pain goes away.
Don’t just ignore this painful warning. It’s important to catch clogged leg arteries — known as peripheral arterial disease, or PAD — early. Having PAD may mean that other arteries in your body are clogged, too.
According to a recent review article in the journal Geriatrics, people with PAD have a higher risk of developing stroke and heart disease than people without this condition. As a matter of fact, experts consider severe PAD to be deadlier than some types of cancer.
How to Protect Yourself
Many of the same things that raise your heart disease risk also put you at risk for PAD. Your risk for PAD increases after age 40. People with heart disease or a family history of heart disease are more likely to develop PAD. In addition, African-Americans may be three times as likely as whites to get PAD.While you can’t change your family history, age or ethnicity, there are some steps that can help you boost your odds against PAD:
- Don’t smoke. Smoking is the most important risk factor for PAD.
- Control diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, if you have any of these conditions. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet can help prevent and manage all three of these problems.
When Walking Cramps Your Style
If you think you might have PAD, talk with your doctor. All of the prevention strategies listed above are key to managing the disease, too. Aspirin and prescription medicines also can help.Believe it or not, walking is one of the surest treatments for leg cramps caused by PAD. People with PAD should step to it for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Research shows that regular exercise can help PAD sufferers increase their walking distance by 150 percent, on average.
If you are suffering with leg cramps or are diagnosed with PAD, Southcoast Hospitals can help. Turn to page 2 to learn about the services Southcoast offers to treat this dangerous disease.
