Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common disorder, but it is one of the least recognized. It has very subtle and misleading symptoms that make it challenging to detect PAD before it leads to complications. In this regard, TM Flow has made it possible to diagnose the possibilities of developing PAD. This blog is about the early detection of peripheral artery disease and how it helps in disease intervention.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
PAD occurs when the vessels that supply blood to the lower extremities become narrow. Fat deposits in the vessels cause blockage, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This fat accumulation narrows the vessels and restricts the supply of blood to the legs, leading to peripheral artery disease. The development of PAD increases cardiovascular risks.
Symptoms
Leg Pain or Cramping
Numbness in Legs
Cold Feet
Pale Skin
Slow Healing of Wounds
Weak Pulse in Legs
How Early Detection Can Help Manage PAD
There are different stages of PAD. It starts with being asymptomatic and then progresses with leg pain. But, by the time a person gets diagnosed with PAD, it is already at a complicated stage, and managing it becomes extremely difficult. Diagnostic tests for PAD are primarily performed when the exact symptoms appear.
Early detection can help stop PAD before the complicated stage appears. It includes changing the lifestyle and using medications to dissolve blockages in the vessels. A person can avoid heart disease risks with such early interventions and can have a quality life.
TM Flow Test for Early Detection of PAD
When it comes to early detection of PAD, the TM Flow device is of prime importance. It is a noninvasive medical device that uses multiple technologies to assess vascular and autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions. It is designed to help in the early detection of various vascular diseases, including PAD.
TM Flow system uses the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement, a well-established test for screening PAD. TM Flow’s TBL-ABI model provides accurate readings of the ABI and pulse volume recording (PVR), which detects PAD early. Additionally, it supports the identification of risk factors such as arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, which are critical in the early stages of PAD.
TM Flow Markers for PAD Detection
Here are the markers of the TM Flow machine that detect PAD at an early stage:
1. ABI
This is calculated by comparing the systolic blood pressure in the ankle and the brachial artery. A lower ABI suggests a higher risk of PAD.
2. Arterial Stiffness
TM Flow assesses arterial stiffness through volume plethysmography, which detects early signs of arterial dysfunction before symptoms appear.
3. Endothelial Function
Using Photoplethysmography (PTG) analysis, TM Flow can detect endothelial dysfunction, often a precursor to PAD.
4. HRV
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) assessment shows autonomic dysfunction, which is closely linked to PAD and cardiovascular risk.
PAD Disease Management with TM Flow
As TM flow can detect PAD early, it can also track the effectiveness or complications related to this disease. If a person is diagnosed with PAD and is currently on medication he can use this test to see whether the disease is improving or not. This test also helps healthcare providers with timely treatment. With PAD test results, they can see the effectiveness of treatment plans and recommend lifestyle modification to the patients.
Conclusion
TM Flow is an innovative medical device for monitoring and early detection of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It can detect PAD at the asymptomatic stage using several markers and help manage the disease. This saves the patient from further complications such as heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
What kind of doctor treats peripheral artery disease?
Vascular specialists and cardiologists usually deal with the treatment of PAD.
Can peripheral artery disease cause paralysis?
Complications in PAD can lead to limb ischemia, nerve damage, and, sometimes, paralysis.
What are the three signs of peripheral arterial disease?
It includes leg pain during activity, cold or numb feet, and non-healing sores.
Is TM Flow suitable for patients already diagnosed with PAD?
Yes, TM Flow can be used for ongoing monitoring and management of PAD.
How long can you live with PAD?
Patients can live a long, healthy life if detected at an early stage. The complicated stage of PAD can cause a heart attack or stroke.
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