Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Leg cramps and PAD

I am 61 years old, have a family history of severe heart disease, but I have a very healthy diet and have lived longer than two of my siblings (one died at 45 and the other one at 54,) and the remaining one has had a tripple bi-pass.

I do have some blockage 40% in one and 20% in another artery.  Something I read at the Dr. office this week is leg cramps can be the beginning stages of PAD.  I have had little muscle "jumps" in my legs since 2002 and the past year I have had leg cramps at night.  I take Coral Calcium Plus (2,000 calcium) and one 99 mg of Potassium Gluconate and I don't have the cramps, but if I miss a couple of doses of it I start getting them again.  I am glad that this works, but could it be PAD?  Is there something else I should be doing to reverse the PAD if that is what it is?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
This doesn’t sound like PAD.  The classic symptom with PAD is claudication, or reproducible pain when walking. Cramping at rest is not a symptom.  More than likely, that would be a result of an electrolyte imbalance such as potassium, magnesium, etc. or mild dehydration.
Helpful - 0
612551 tn?1450022175
I assume your are referring to Peripheral Artery Disease (I think I've got it right).  Your symptoms sound like it is possible, get it checked by your doctor...suppose it isn't an emergency, but given you family history, maybe it is.

Good luck.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Peripheral Artery Disease Community

Top Heart Disease Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.