Heart attacks

Heart attacks are caused by blockages in the arteries leading to the heart, but most people are not aware of the problems caused by the blockages in other arteries in the body. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by buildup of fatty material on the inner walls of arteries which carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body - the head, internal organs and limbs. This narrows or blocks the arteries, reducing or even cutting off blood flow and is also called atherosclerosis.

A shooting pain in the affected area, vomiting, high blood pressure, nausea and ulcers are some of the symptoms of PAD. People who have suffered from a heart attack are more likely to suffer from peripheral arterial disease. High stress levels, diabetes, high blood pressure also increase the risk of PAD.

Tests to detect PAD should be done after the age of 45 years. Some of these are the ankle brachial index test, which shows calcification, a Doppler scan (costs Rs 2,000) or an Angiogram (approx. cost Rs 7,000) which shows the condition of the arteries. Awareness levels are still low, and some doctors may not be aware of this problem