HOMEOPATHY FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) results from a progressive thickening of an artery’s lining caused by a buildup of plaque, which narrows or blocks blood flow, reducing the circulation of the blood to a specific organ or region of the body. This process, atherosclerotic occlusive vascular disease or atherosclerosis, is often called ‘hardening of the arteries’.

If the plaque surface becomes irregular or ulcerated, it may accumulate small blood clots and plaque contents. The particles , called emboli, travel in the circulatory system, ultimately blocking flow through tiny blood vessels, which can also damage sensitive organs, such as the brain , by causing stroke.

Signs and symptoms

Often people with PAD may not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced. Almost all symptoms are due to the leg muscles not having enough blood. Typically, people with PAD experience a painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves with walking, climbing stairs or exercising, that is relieved with rest. Those with severe PAD might have the following symptoms.

·         A cramping pain that does not go away when stop exercising.

·         A noticeable decrease in the temperature of lower leg or foot , when compared to the rest of the body.

·         Toe or foot wounds that will not heal or heal very slowly.

·         Dusky or pale in color.

·         Gangrene

·         Thin, shiny skin on legs.

·         Absence of hair on feet and legs.

·         Slower growth of toe nails.

·         No pulse or weak pulse in legs or feet.

·         Erectile dysfunction in men.

·         Pain when using arms, such as aching and cramping when knitting, writing, or doing other manual tasks.

Risk factors

Factors that increase risk of  developing PAD include:

·         High blood pressure

·         Smoking

·         Obesity

·         Diabetes

·         High cholesterol

·         Increasing age, especially after 65 or after 50 if having risk factors for atherosclerosis.

·         Family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke

·         High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that helps the body to make protein and to build and maintain tissue.

Prevention

The best way to prevent PAD is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

·         Quit smoking

·         If diabetes, keep blood sugar in good control.

·         Exercise regularly.

·         Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels

·         Eat foods that are low in saturated fat

·         Maintain a healthy weight.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental , emotional , spiritual and physical levels. When PAD  is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering the mental and physical symptoms.

ARNICA MONTANA: A blood thinner, prevent thrombus formation. Aching pain in legs.

AURUM METALLICUM: Aurum met is one of the best remedies for PAD with valvular lesions. There is a sensation as if heart stopped beating for two or three seconds, immediately followed by tumultuous rebound  with sinking at epigastrium. The patient is suffering from high blood pressure. Pulse rapid, feeble and irregular. Pain beneath the breast bone at night Oppression at the heart and having violent palpitations .Mentally the patient is highly depressed , always talk of committing suicide but fear of death. The person is hopeless with grief.

BARYTA  CARBONICUM: Baryta carb is another effective remedy for PAD with hypertension and aneurysms. Pulse full and hard. Palpitation when lying on left side or when thinking of it.There is senile dementia , leading to confusion and mental weakness.

BARYTA MURIATICUM: Baryta mur is excellent for PAD of aorta and large blood vessels. The heart beat is irregular and the pulse scarcely perceptible. The blood pressure is increased and throbbing of the heart increased. Elderly person have asthma, headaches, vertigo, and tinnitus.

CACTUS GRANDIFLOROUS: Cactus grandiflorous is effective for PAD with marked heart weakness. The heart feels clutched and released alternately by an iron band. Palpitation worse lying on left side, with vertigo, dyspnoea and flatulence.

CONIUM MACULATUM: Conium mac is best for PAD with violent palpitations. Palpitations worse exertion , drinking, at stools . Pulse unequal and irregular. There is weakness of mind and body with vertigo, trembling and palpitations.

CONVALLARIA MAJALIS: Convallaria majalis is excellent for PAD of cigarette smokers. Sensation as if the heart  ceased beating , and then starting very suddenly. Another feature is extremely rapid and irregular pulse. Feeling as if heart beat throughout the chest.

CRATAEGUS  OXYCANTHA: Crataegus is considered a heart tonic. Crataegus has got great solvent powers upon calcerous and crustaceous deposits in the lumen and arteries. There is least dysponea on least exertion. Extreme shortage of breath with heart pain .The pulse is irregular , feeble and intermittent.

NATRUM IODATUM: Natrum iodatum is for PAD with angina pectoris , vertigo and dyspnea.

PLUMBM METALLICUM: Plumbum met is best for PAD of anemic , weak persons and those suffering from hypertension. There is painful constriction of peripheral arteries. The pulse soft, small , dicrotic, wiry, slow, sinks even to 40. Plumbum is more indicated when chronic nephritis occurs. 

SECALE CORNUTUM: Secale cor is more indicated in the early hardening of arteries , which is rapidly progressive. Secale cor is indicated for arteriosclerosis with ice-cold extremities. There is boring pain in the chest. Dyspnea and oppression occurs with cramps in the diaphragm. Palpitation with intermittent pulse.

STRONTIUM CARBONICUM: Stronium carb is best for PAD with high blood pressure producing a flushed face and pulsating arteries. There is violent beating of arteries and heart. Strontium is also good for arteriosclerosis with vertigo and nausea.

STROPHANTHUS HISP.: Strophanthus is best for PAD, especially tobacco smokers. The arteries are very rigid and the pulse is rapid, alternating with slow, weak, small and irregular. Cardiac pain and dyspnea.

TABACUM: Tabacum is best for hardening of coronary arteries.There is violent palpitations, worse lying on left side. Pulse thread, intermittent , hard , cord like and imperceptible.