While many people attribute leg pain during walking to aging or fatigue, a British professor has warned that it could be a sign of something much more serious.
If you experience leg pain while walking, you may be suffering from peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease. This common heart condition occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the leg muscles, leading to pain. These fatty deposits can also block blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Research has shown that one in five people with this diagnosis, if left undiagnosed and untreated, may experience a heart attack, stroke, or death within five years.
Professor David Newby, from the British Heart Foundation, explained the typical leg pain associated with this condition.
“If you feel cramps in your calves while walking, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor, as it could be a symptom of peripheral vascular disease. It is most common in smokers and people with diabetes.”
For the treatment of this condition, doctors recommend lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, quitting smoking, and adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Underlying causes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes should also be treated.
Doctors may also prescribe medications to reduce the symptoms of the disease, including statins, which can prevent the formation of fatty deposits. By addressing the condition promptly and making necessary lifestyle changes, individuals can improve their heart health and reduce the risk of severe complications.
