Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), is a circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most commonly in the legs. This narrowing occurs due to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on the walls of the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of PAD

Many people with PAD have mild or no symptoms. However, some individuals may experience:

Leg pain or cramping during physical activity (claudication), typically in the calf, thigh, or hip muscles
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially compared to the other side
Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or don’t heal
A change in the color of your legs
Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
Slower growth of toenails
Shiny skin on your legs
Weak or absent pulses in your legs or feet

Risk Factors for PAD

Several factors can increase your risk of developing PAD:

Smoking: This is the most significant risk factor for PAD.
Age: The risk increases as you get older, especially after age 50.
Diabetes: Having diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing PAD.
High blood pressure: This can damage your blood vessels over time.
High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can build up in your arteries.
Obesity: Being overweight increases your risk of PAD and other cardiovascular diseases.
Family history: If PAD, heart disease, or stroke runs in your family, you’re at higher risk.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of PAD.

Treatment for PAD

We offer a comprehensive approach to treating Peripheral Artery Disease. Our goal is to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or the need for limb salvage procedures. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific condition, overall health, and lifestyle factors. We typically begin with conservative measures and progress to more advanced interventions as needed.

Lifestyle changes

Making positive changes to your daily habits can significantly improve PAD symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. We recommend the following lifestyle modifications:

Smoking cessation
Regular exercise, such as walking programs
Heart-healthy diet
Blood glucose control
Weight management

Medications

In addition to lifestyle changes, certain medications can help manage PAD and reduce the risk of complications. Our specialists may prescribe:

Antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots
Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Blood pressure medications
Medications to control blood sugar for diabetic patients

Treatment procedures

When lifestyle changes and medications aren’t sufficient to manage PAD, our skilled vascular surgeons offer advanced interventional procedures. These minimally invasive and surgical options aim to restore blood flow and alleviate symptoms:

Angioplasty: A minimally invasive procedure where a small balloon is inflated inside the narrowed artery to widen it and improve blood flow.
Stent: A small mesh tube placed in the artery during angioplasty to keep it open and prevent re-narrowing.
Atherectomy: A catheter-based procedure that uses a rotating device to remove plaque buildup from the artery wall.
Bypass surgery: A surgical procedure that creates a detour around the blocked part of the artery using a graft from another blood vessel or synthetic material.

Contact us today to get started!

Take control of your vascular health by scheduling a consultation at one of our convenient locations. Our team is ready to help you feel your best.