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Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to become hardened or narrowed and limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood through your body. Extra blood flow is needed when a body is in motion (such as walking or exercising), but if there’s not enough blood circulation due to clogged arteries, the result is pain and discomfort in the affected areas.

Clogged arteries and limited blood circulation are risk factors of many conditions, which is why PAD increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke.

If you experience pain. aching or numbness in your legs while walking or climbing stairs, it’s important to talk with your doctor and test to see if you have PAD so that you may begin treatment immediately.

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Common Symptoms

The most common symptom of PAD is painful cramping in your legs while walking, climbing stairs, or during other physical activities, but the pain subsides once you’re at rest. However, in an advanced stage, you may feel the leg pain even while at rest. Some other symptoms may include:

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Slow-healing injuries on your legs and/or feet
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A noticeable temperature difference in your legs and/or feet
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Brittle toenails and slow nail growth
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No pulse or weak pulse in your legs
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Discoloration or shiny skin on the legs
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Unexpected hair loss on your legs and/or feet
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Cramps in your legs, thighs, buttocks, feet, and/or calves
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Erectile dysfunction

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors of PAD such as age, family history of heart attack, PAD or stroke, can’t be controlled. However, the following risk factors can be controlled by an individual with the help of a healthcare provider:

Cigarette Smoking

Overweight / Obesity

High Blood Pressure

High Cholesterol

Physical Inactivity

Diabetes Mellitus

High Blood Pressure

Diabetes Mellitus

Diagnostic Methods

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

The most common PAD test where the blood pressure in the ankle is compared to the arm’s blood pressure

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Angiography

A special dye is injected into the artery and an X-ray is used to show blood flow and identify the blocked region
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Dopler / Ultrasound

A diagnosis that uses sound waves to visualize the artery and measures blood flow to find blockages

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CT

A non-invasive test that shows images of the patient’s arteries to help assist with accurate diagnosis 
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Treatment Options

SET

Supervised Exercise Therapy is a program where your healthcare team helps you walk without pain

Medication

Prescriptions that can help lower your blood pressure or cholesterol levels to help in treating PAD

Diet

Eating healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean meats is beneficial along with avoiding unhealthy foods

Angioplasty & Stent

Surgically unblocks and repairs blood vessels to promote normal blood flow

Atherectomy

A non-invasive procedure that removes plaque buildup in the arteries affected

Lifestyle Changes

Smoking cessation and other lifestyle changes are a main contribution in treating PAD

Office Based Lab

Our Office Based Lab (OBL) is equipped with state of the art technology that allows our physicians to provide exceptional care and procedures which have previously only been available at hospitals. Performing interventional procedures in an office based lab is more convenient for patients because of their smaller sizes in comparison to a hospital, which results in shorter check-ins, quicker turnaround times, and more personable staff experiences.

  • Includes an operating room and recovery room
  • Patients monitored for 2-4 hours after their procedure
  • Same-day discharge after procedure
  • AAAASF certified, the most prestigious standard for outpatient accreditation

 

Learn More about AAAASF

Talk to a Cardiovascular Specialist Today!

Think you may have Peripheral Artery Disease? Don’t wait to see a Cardiovascular specialist. Contact your local carecube.clinic or book an appointment online Today!

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