Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular condition in which narrowed blood vessels in the body’s arms, hands, legs and feet lead to the reduced flow of blood to these areas. Most commonly diagnosed in the legs, the symptoms of PAD may include leg pain or cramping (especially when walking or exercising (this is called “claudication”), numbness or weakness in the limbs, areas of the limbs that are cold to the touch, changes in skin color or a loss of hair on the lower legs.

Left untreated, PAD can lead to increased leg cramping, wounds on the legs that won’t heal, reduced mobility, infections, gangrene and the possibility of a limb amputation.

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What causes peripheral artery disease?

PAD is caused by Atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the walls of the peripheral arteries (the arteries that carry blood to the legs and arms). Also known as plaque, these substances collect in the arteries and over time, can cause the blood vessels to narrow.

People who have a family history of PAD, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight or over 50 years of age are at risk for atherosclerosis. Smoking is also a risk factor for PAD. Left untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia and a possible amputation. As plaque can also build up in other blood vessels within the body, the risk of stroke and heart attack is higher in those with PAD.

The ankle brachial index (ABI) test is performed at most doctor’s offices and is often the first test used to diagnose PAD. If further testing is needed, a duplex ultrasound, X-ray arteriogram, CT angiogram or MR angiogram may also be used.

Can peripheral artery disease be prevented?

In many cases, PAD can be prevented–or at least its onset can be delayed. Key prevention strategies include, but are not limited to:

Exercise regularly. Walking, swimming and other aerobic activities improve circulation and cardiovascular health.
Avoid tobacco use. Smoking is one of the greatest risk factors for PAD. Quitting smoking can substantially reduce your risk.
Manage blood pressure. Keeping hypertension under control helps protect blood vessels from damage.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight is associated with higher rates of vascular disease.
Manage cardiovascular risk factors. Managing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and diabetes can help lower your risk.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

If PAD is not severe, it may be treated with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. If this does not work and the disease progresses, there are several minimally invasive procedures that are highly effective and do not require vascular surgery. These include angioplasty (with or without stents) and atherectomy.

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For more information about peripheral artery disease and other treatment options offered by VISA, please visit our treatments page or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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