PAD Q & A
PAD is a vascular condition that causes the narrowing of your peripheral blood vessels, which are the blood vessels found in your extremities. More often than not, PAD may be a sign of widespread fatty accumulation in your blood vessels, which is referred to as atherosclerosis.
PAD can develop in any of your peripheral arteries, but most often affects the vessels in your legs. You may be at an increased risk of developing PAD if you’re obese, a smoker or have diabetes or high cholesterol.
PAD doesn’t always cause symptoms, or your symptoms may be so mild they go unnoticed. But leg pain when you walk, which is referred to as claudication, is the most common symptom of PAD.
Other symptoms include:
- Muscle cramping
- Numbness or weakness in your leg
- Change in leg color or temperature
- Shiny skin or slow-growing leg hair
- Lack of pulse in your extremities
Men also experience erectile dysfunction with PAD.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at *** Clinic for an evaluation to determine if PAD is the cause.
Your experienced specialist at *** Clinic conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if you have PAD. Your evaluation may include a review of your symptoms, physical exam, and blood test.
Your specialist may also conduct an ankle-brachial index, which compares the blood pressure measurement from your leg with the measurement from your arm. An angiography, which is a test that involves the injection of a special dye into your blood vessel, may also be recommended to assess blood flow.
Treatment for your PAD is individualized based on your symptoms and the underlying cause of the fatty buildup. Your specialist at *** Clinic may recommend disease-specific medication, such as cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure medication, to help improve blood flow.
The vascular surgeons may recommend more invasive treatments such as:
- Atherectomy:removes plaque from your blood vessels
- Angioplasty:insertion of a balloon in your blood vessel
- Stent:insertion of a mesh that supports blood vessel walls and blood flow
Our PAD specialist in *** also recommends lifestyle changes, including a diet and exercise program, to keep your blood vessels healthy, even after your invasive treatment.
PAD is easily diagnosed and treated. For expert care of your blood vessels, call *** Clinic today or request an appointment online.