Peripheral Artery Disease Specialist

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when your arteries narrow and restrict blood flow to your limbs, typically the legs and feet. PAD commonly occurs as a result of plaque buildup in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis. 

Atherosclerosis can restrict blood flow to your brain and heart, as well as your legs and feet. When atherosclerosis affects the arteries supplying blood to your heart, it’s called coronary artery disease. 

Far less common, peripheral artery disease can also be caused by injury to your limbs, inflammation of your blood vessels, or exposure to radiation. 

Without proper treatment, PAD can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. PAD can also lead to critical limb ischemia, which can prevent your body from healing itself and leave you at risk of serious infections and gangrene. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include:

• Leg pain or numbness
• Cramping in your legs or hips
• Coldness in your leg or foot
• Slowed toenail growth 
• Weak pulse in your legs or feet
• Sores that won’t heal
• Hair loss on your legs or feet

PAD prevents your legs from getting enough blood flow to function properly. Some people with PAD experience little to no symptoms at all. 

If you’re at risk for or experience symptoms of PAD, Mission Heart & Vascular can determine the best way to relieve your symptoms and improve your cardiovascular health. 

Who gets peripheral artery disease?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing peripheral artery disease. These include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Age
• Family history

Issues like smoking and diabetes can reduce blood flow throughout your body, which can lead to peripheral artery disease. 

Your risk of developing PAD increases after age 50. Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease can also increase your risk of PAD. 

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

Before recommending treatment, Mission Heart & Vascular performs a thorough examination that includes a physical and review of your medical history. Depending on your condition, your cardiologist may conduct a number of additional tests like:

• Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
• Blood test
• Ultrasound
• Angiography

After your diagnosis, Mission Heart & Vascular works with you to develop the most effective treatment plan. In most cases, your doctor uses a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to relieve your symptoms and improve your heart health. 

In some cases, you may require surgery to address your blocked or narrowed artery. 

To learn more about treating peripheral artery disease, book an appointment at Mission Heart & Vascular by phone or online today.