The Unmistakable Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease

Cancer doctors closely monitor their Tasigna chemotherapy patients for the signs that they may have PAD

Friday, December 1, 2017 - Tasigna chemotherapy has been linked to an increased risk of developing a serious and often fatal heart condition. Peripheral Artery Disease can result from Tasigna anti-cancer chemotherapy treatments and doctors are warned to be aware of this before, during and after giving their cancer patients the drug. Reports of PAD are coming from patients taking the anti-cancer drug which can cause sudden death amongst other problems. PAD is described by the National Institute of Health as plaque, cholesterol, and calcium building up on the interior walls of the arteries affecting the volume of blood flow to the extremities such as the arms, legs and even major organs such as the heart and brain. Plaque formations that grow large enough can reduce blood volume by over 90%. Plaque can harden and break away from the arterial wall, triggering a clot which may further narrow the artery or completely block it resulting in heart attacks and strokes.

In addition to affecting approximately 10% of Tasigna patients, PAD affects over 8.5 million adults according to heart.org. Doctors are warned on the official Tasigna website to check potential Tasigna patients for the signs of PAD prior to undergoing chemotherapy. PAD tests include contrasting blood pressure between the arm and leg and EKG exams. Reduced blood flow to the major arteries that leads to weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and toes can be an early sign that a person may have peripheral artery disease. In the extreme, reduced blood flow can lead to gangrene and tissue death requiring amputation of the toes or feet. Other early warning signs of PAD are pain and cramping while walking upstairs, aching in the thighs or arms, sores and lesions that do not heal normally, the toenails yellowing, and in men erectile dysfunction and impotence. Doctors warn that the symptoms of PAD are often mistaken for something else as the pain and numbness subside a short time after exertion and warn that PAD patients are at high risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke.

Heart.org warns that PAD is a "serious medical condition" and a "narrowing of the peripheral arteries to the legs, stomach, arms, and head - most commonly in the arteries of the legs. PAD is similar to coronary artery disease (CAD)."

People who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, as well as those in advanced age, have an additional risk of developing peripheral arterial disease from Tasigna anti-cancer chemotherapy treatments. PAD can lead to instant death from heart attack, paralysis, strokes, and amputations from necrosis due to decreased blood flow to the extremities. PAD is irreversible but can be managed with drugs and a change in diet. People with PAD are also advised to quit smoking, reduce the fat and salt in their diets, and to exercise more.

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