Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) is a severe and advanced form of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) that restricts blood flow to the legs and feet, causing chronic pain, wounds, and sometimes even tissue loss. In South Louisiana, the incidence of CLI is significantly impacted by high rates of tobacco use, which exacerbates the symptoms and progression of this life-threatening condition. Understanding the link between smoking and CLI is essential for the health and well-being of those in our community, particularly as we face higher-than-average smoking rates.

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of CLI

CLI occurs when blood flow to the lower limbs becomes severely restricted, often due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, along with the narrowing of arteries and the formation of blood clots, limits circulation, resulting in CLI. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking increase damage to diseased arteries, raising the risk of developing PAD, which can lead to CLI. People with CLI experience pain in the lower legs, wounds that are slow to heal, and, in severe cases, gangrene in the affected limbs. If untreated, CLI can lead to amputation or even death.

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How Does Smoking Impact Your Vascular Health?

Using tobacco has been identified as one of the strongest risk factors in the development of vascular disease. Numerous studies show that smokers are significantly more likely to develop PAD and CLI than non-smokers. Smoking can significantly harm your vascular health in many ways, including:

• Atherosclerosis – Tobacco damages blood vessels and contributes to inflammation, which promotes cholesterol and plaque buildup. Plaque blocks blood flow and causes arteries to become narrow and stiff, making it difficult for blood to reach all parts of the body.
• Blood clots – Smoking can make your blood sticky and thick, increasing the chance of developing blood clots
• Cholesterol – Smoking increases your LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and lowers your HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.
• Vessel constriction – Nicotine in tobacco products causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing the amount of blood that can flow to your organs.

What are the Consequences of Tobacco Use in CLI Patients?

For individuals already living with CLI, smoking intensifies symptoms and accelerates the disease’s progression. Smokers with CLI are more likely to face hospitalization, higher rates of amputation, and a reduced quality of life. For example, the reduced blood flow in a smoker’s arteries can slow the healing of wounds, increasing the likelihood of infection and gangrene. CLI patients who continue smoking face higher mortality rates compared to those who quit.

Benefits of Quitting Tobacco for CLI Patients

Quitting smoking can significantly improve the health outcomes of CLI patients. Studies show that individuals who stop smoking often experience a decrease in symptom severity and a slower disease progression. Improved blood circulation, faster healing times for wounds, and a lower risk of amputation are among the many benefits. The decision to quit can be challenging, but it offers CLI patients a powerful way to take control of their health. Tobacco use has a profound impact on the health of those with CLI in South Louisiana, but quitting can make a significant difference. If you or a loved one is affected by CLI, consider reaching out to local resources for help with tobacco cessation. If you experience symptoms of PAD or CLI, schedule an appointment with one of the specialists at CVT Surgical Center. Our board-certified Vascular surgeons, accredited Vascular Lab, and state-of-the-art Endovascular Center provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options tailored to your needs.