Poor circulation in the legs can be improved through the surgical restoration of blood flow to the area, which was found to be more effective than exercise. The condition is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and it’s characterized by pain and fatigue that patients experience while walking. Symptoms results from poor blood circulation in the legs.
There is no current solution to restore scarring caused by PAD, but there is a medical procedure that can reopen or bypass blockages in the blood vessels as a means to restore blood flow.
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For the study, the researchers analyzed a protein known as TGF-Beta1 that triggers scarring in patients with severe PAD. Collagen was also measured as it is found in scars in calf muscle biopsies.
After a six-month period, researchers compared biopsy results in 20 patients who underwent medical intervention to restore blood flow, 19 patients who engaged in supervised exercise, and 17 who did not receive any treatment.
None of the groups saw a reduction in scarring as a result of PAD, but the blood flow restoration procedures prevent it from worsening. Additionally, collagen fibers and TGF-Beta1 levels increased in the exercise and control groups, but not in the group that received the medical procedure.
Study author Duy Ha said, “This suggests that the long-term benefits to the health of leg muscles is better with revascularization than with exercise therapy alone. Unfortunately, not all patients are candidates for these procedures, which carry significant risks, and the treated vessels may get blocked again.”
“We hope that we can develop therapies that directly decrease TGF-Beta1 and its associated scarring in the leg muscles of PAD patients. Such new treatments, when used alone or along with revascularization and exercise, may maintain or enhance the ability of our patients to walk and live healthy lives,” Ha concluded.
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The findings were presented at the American Heart Association annual meeting.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article on Kidney disease in women linked to higher risk of peripheral arterial disease, poor leg circulation.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
