What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), occurs when peripheral blood vessels are blocked, hardened and narrowed with plaque in a condition called atherosclerosis. This condition reduces the amount of blood that flows to your head, organs and limbs and increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Due to the restricted blood flow, peripheral artery disease increases your risk of infection in your limbs. In severe cases of peripheral artery disease, gangrene can occur.
Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
Risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease include:
- Family history of atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Exposure to lead and cadmium
- Kidney disease
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
Some of the symptoms of peripheral artery disease include:
- Leg pain that often occurs when exercising and ceases during rest
- Numbness, coldness, change of color or loss of hair in the legs or feet
- Leg cramps
- Paleness, blueness or weak or absent pulse in a limb
- A change in gait
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Sellers, Dr. Wanamaker and their staff are so nice and helpful. One of the nicest and thorough offices I have ever been to! I would definitely recommend them to anyone that has vascular needs!!"
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How is Peripheral Artery Disease diagnosed?
Various diagnostic tests used to detect the presence of peripheral artery disease include:
- Ankle brachial index
- Doppler ultrasound
- Angiogram
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Plethysmogram
- Venogram
Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease
There are several treatment methods for peripheral artery disease, including lifestyle changes and the following:
- A supervised exercise routine
- Modifications to the diet
- Stopping smoking
- Controlling blood sugar
- Managing high blood pressure
- Medication
- Cholesterol lowering statins
Other treatment options peripheral artery disease include catheter-based treatments and traditional or endoscopic surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease, schedule an appointment with Southern Specialty Physicians Vascular Surgery by calling 334-246-4774 We serve Montgomery, AL and surrounding areas.
