Vaatlijden

Vaatlijden, also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or atherosclerotic vascular disease, is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels outside the heart and brain. It primarily affects the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, especially the legs, but can also involve other vascular regions. The narrowing occurs due to the build-up of fatty deposits, called plaques, within the arterial walls—a process known as atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of vaatlijden may include leg pain or cramping during activity (claudication), numbness, weakness, coldness, or wounds that heal poorly. Some individuals remain asymptomatic, with the disease detected incidentally during screening or examinations for other conditions. The severity of symptoms correlates with the degree of arterial obstruction.

Risk factors for vaatlijden include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of cardiovascular disease. The condition increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Diagnosis typically involves non-invasive tests such as ankle-brachial index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, or angiography. Management includes lifestyle modifications, medication to control risk factors, and, in severe cases, interventions like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.

Prevention focuses on addressing modifiable risk factors by promoting healthy diet, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and blood pressure and cholesterol management. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as limb ischemia, ulcers, or gangrene, which may lead to amputation in advanced stages.

Vaatlijden is a common vascular condition, especially among older adults, and its management aims to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.