Arterial insufficiency is one of the more common lower leg wounds you’ll encounter when you work in a nursing home. It’s essential to understand how this condition comes about so appropriate treatment can be identified based on the patient’s condition.
What is Arterial Insufficiency?
Also known as Ischemia, arterial insufficiency pertains to reduced blood flow in the arteries due to plaque buildup and blood clots brought about by several factors that include diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and advanced aging, among others.
It is usually found between the toes or tips of the toes, around lateral malleolus, over phalangeal heads, or any site that was subjected to trauma or rubbing of footwear.
Arterial insufficiency comes in two forms.
Acute arterial insufficiency is the type of ischemia characterized by a sudden slowing or stoppage of blood flow and is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and care.
Chronic arterial insufficiency on the other hand, is due to an underlying condition that gradually slows blood flow. Symptoms can get worse over time, putting the patient at a higher risk of developing complications.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of arterial insufficiency are as follows:
Ankle/brachial index < 0.8
Decreased skin temperature
Delayed capillary refill (> 3 seconds)
Diminished or absence of peripheral pulses
Hair loss to lower extremity
Pain - intermittent claudication (exercise), nocturnal, positional, or even resting
Pallor on elevation
Shiny, taut, and dry skin
Thickened toe nails
Arterial insufficiency wounds are typically characterized by the following:
Even and punched out wound margins
Deep (full thickness)
Frequent infection
Minimal exudate
Pale color or necrotic ulcer bed (gangrene may be present)
Patients may also feel dizziness, stomach pain that consistently starts 15 to 20 minutes after a meal and may last a couple of hours, and weight loss.
Immediate medical care is required if the patient experiences the following symptoms:
Chest pain
Double vision (or vision loss)
Fainting
Gangrene
Pale or blue skin
Rapid pulse
Slurred speech
Sudden and sharp pain in the arm, chest, jaw, neck, or shoulder
Sudden and unexplained shortness of breath
Sudden and unexplained pain in the belly, neck, shoulders or back
Treatment
Treatment options for arterial insufficiency may vary depending on the cause and level of severity. Below are some of them:
Adequate nutrition
Consistent medication
Diabetes control
Neutral or dependent position of legs
Avoiding constrictive clothing
Routine foot care
Revascularization (if necessary)
Quit smoking
Increased physical activity
Medication to control blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels
Medication to reduce the risk of blood clots
Stents
Who is at Risk of Developing Arterial Insufficiency?
While arterial insufficiency can happen to anyone, there are people who are at a higher risk and are more likely to develop the said condition especially those who are suffering from the following medical conditions:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Protein C deficiency
Protein S deficiency
People who are above the age of 60 are also at risk of developing this medical condition along with people who are pregnant, smokers, as well as those who use estrogen-based birth control medication.
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