Middle-aged people have a higher risk of a leg amputation following emergency surgery to treat peripheral artery disease, compared to seniors On the other hand, seniors have a higher risk of death following surgery to restore blood flow The different results might be driven by either the severity of a patient’s disease or their overall health, experts say TUESDAY, July 23, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged folks don’t necessarily fare better than seniors following urgent surgery to unclog arteries and restore blood flow to their legs, a new study warns. Adults in their 50s with peripheral artery disease (PAD) appear more likely to require a leg amputation within years after emergency surgery to unblock their arteries, compared with people in their 80s. However, older people with PAD have a higher risk of death than younger patients whether or not they have the surgery, results show.
“Our primary finding is different from the traditional belief that older people were at an increased risk of major amputation. Our study, interestingly, shows the opposite relationship,” said lead researcher , a research fellow in medical statistics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries leading away from the heart narrow due to cholesterol deposits, researchers said in background notes.
This most commonly affects the legs. People with PAD suffer from painful muscle cramps in their hips, thighs, calves or feet when they’re.