Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) & Angioplasty
Turn the Tables on Peripheral Arterial Disease and Amputation
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also recognized as Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is the narrowing of the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to your extremities. When this happens, your legs generally suffer the most with the development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or varicose veins. Leg pain is the predominant symptom with or without claudication, as well as loss of pulse in feet, fungal infections of the toes, numbness or weakness in leg muscles, immobility and more. Complications from this disease can lead to ulcers, gangrene, non-healing wounds, amputation, heart attack and stroke (due to atherosclerosis). PAD affects more than 10 million people in the U.S., making it the most prevalent vascular issue amongst patients we treat.
Vascular Disease Q & A
Causes & Risk Factors
The most common cause of peripheral artery disease is
Atherosclerosis
Risk factors involved include
Age (increases after 50)
Family History of PAD, heart disease or stroke
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Excessive homocysteine in the blood
- Peripheral artery disease
- Varicose veins
- Atherosclerosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Blood clotting disorders
Vascular diseases often come before more severe complications, like heart attacks or strokes. It’s important to report your symptoms early and keep up on preventive care measures, like yearly checkups, especially when you reach middle age.
Diagnosis
PAD is often detected through various non-invasive techniques. After a complete family history evaluation and physical examination, our vascular team uses top-of-the-line, minimally invasive techniques to formulate a proper diagnosis:
Angiogram/ Arteriogram
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Be proactive against PAD by:
Exercising regularly
Smoking Cessation
Maintaining proper nutrition (avoid fatty foods)
Avoiding OTC medications that contain pseudoephedrine
Adhering to medication regimens that treat diabetes, high cholesterol, blood clots and hypertension
Treatment
Be proactive against PAD by:
Exercising regularly
Smoking Cessation
Maintaining proper nutrition (avoid fatty foods)
Avoiding OTC medications that contain pseudoephedrine
Adhering to medication regimens that treat diabetes, high cholesterol, blood clots and hypertension