The causes of foot necrosis caused by arteriosclerosis are mainly related to vascular lesions, including the following:
Narrowing or occlusion of blood vessels: Arteriosclerosis is the process in which the walls of the arteries gradually thicken, harden and lose their elasticity, which leads to the deposition of lipids in the lining of the blood vessels, forming plaques. As the plaque increases, the lumen of the blood vessels narrows and blood flow is blocked, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the feet.
Hemodynamic changes: Narrowing or occlusion of blood vessels alters normal hemodynamics, leaving foot tissues without adequate oxygen and nutrients, as well as the removal of metabolic waste and carbon dioxide, which can lead to tissue hypoxia and malnutrition, which may eventually develop necrosis.
Microcirculatory disorders: Arteriosclerosis affects not only the large blood vessels, but also the microvasculature, and microcirculation disorders can further exacerbate the ischemic state of the foot tissues.
Inflammatory response: The formation and rupture of arteriosclerotic plaques may trigger an inflammatory response, which can further damage the vascular endothelium, promote thrombosis, and exacerbate blood flow disorders.
Diabetes: Diabetic patients are often accompanied by hyperglycemia, which accelerates the process of arteriosclerosis and increases the risk of necrosis of the foot. Hyperglycemia can also lead to microangiopathies, which further affect the blood flow to the feet**.
Smoking: Smoking is an important risk factor for arteriosclerosis, which can damage the vascular endothelium through a variety of mechanisms, promote plaque formation, and increase the risk of necrosis of the foot.
High blood pressure: Long-term hypertension can damage the endothelium of blood vessels, promote the development of arteriosclerosis, and increase the risk of narrowing and occlusion of blood vessels.
High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Age and gender: The risk of arteriosclerosis increases with age. Men are more likely to develop arteriosclerosis than women.
Genetic factors: People with a family history of cardiovascular disease may be more likely to develop arteriosclerosis.
*Foot necrosis caused by arteriosclerosis requires comprehensive consideration of the above factors, and measures such as medications**, lifestyle modifications, and surgical procedures are taken to restore or improve the blood flow in the feet** and prevent further deterioration of the condition.