Arterial Occlusive Disease: Treatment and Prevention

Of course, it is best to already prevent the development of arterial occlusive disease. There are some factors that you can consider in your lifestyle and for which you can take remedial action.

The risk factors for the development of arteriosclerosis and thus AVK include, first and foremost:

  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • A high-fat, unbalanced diet
  • Nicotine consumption
  • Stress

High blood pressure and high blood sugar levels in diabetes also promote atherosclerotic plaque, which is why good blood pressure and blood sugar control are so important.

Diagnosis of arterial occlusive disease

If you describe corresponding complaints, the doctor will first determine the extent of the AVK. To do this, he or she will measure blood pressure at the arteries in your feet – if you have leg pain – determine your pain-free walking distance on a treadmill, and examine the arteries with ultrasound to detect deposits in the vessels.

To accurately diagnose the damage, a contrast angiogram is then performed. This involves injecting a contrast agent into the femoral artery, and the X-ray image shows which arteries are affected in which section and to what extent.

What can the doctor do about AVC?

Short narrowings (stenoses) may then be dilated with a balloon – this involves pushing a catheter with an inflatable tip up to the narrowing under X-ray guidance and filling the balloon with saline until the debris is pushed to the edge.

In the case of longer stenoses, there is on the one hand the possibility of surgically removing the deposits, i.e. the doctor performs a so-called thrombendarteriectomy and sews a piece of plastic skin, a patch, onto the opened artery.

However, if the artery is massively damaged by the deposits, and they have completely permeated the wall of the artery, making it impossible to peel them out, or if the stenosis is very long, a bypass is inserted to serve as a new way for the blood to flow through.

Drug treatment of AVC

Medication can also be used to dilate the vessels with prostaglandin E1. In addition to vasodilatation, this messenger substance, which is also produced by the body, improves the flow properties of the blood and lowers blood lipid levels.

Platelet aggregation inhibitors, which are substances such as acetylsalicylic acid or clopidogrel, are so-called “blood thinners”; they are given to all patients with arteriosclerosis to reduce the risk of sudden occlusion of an artery.

What should you do if you have been diagnosed with AVC?

Because AVC develops slowly, the body is able to form bypass arteries (called collaterals). In this process, smaller arteries take over the blood supply of the narrowed larger ones. You can promote the formation of collaterals in the leg area by taking up walking training adapted to your situation.

At the latest, if you notice symptoms in yourself that are consistent with a window disease, you should work out a “battle plan” against the progression of AVK with a doctor you trust, which may include a change in your habits such as abstaining from nicotine, a diet, but also walking training and additional medicinal measures.

Perhaps a vascular sports group in your area can help you make the important decision to exercise more? Or do you get yourself a four-legged friend who loves to exercise? In addition, give your poorly perfused feet more attention: don’t worsen circulation by wearing tight shoes or constricting stockings, and consider visiting a professional podiatrist regularly – your feet will thank you!