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Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a restricting of the arteries due to plaque buildup. The clogged arteries limit blood transport from the heart to other portions of the body. According to the National Institutes for Health, one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has peripheral artery disease. Affecting 8 to 12 million people in the United States alone, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
Pain and cramping in your hips, thighs, or calf muscles when walking
Numbness or coldness in your legs or feet
Hard to heal wounds
Change in color of your legs
Pain in your arms when performing manual tasks
What is peripheral artery disease or PAD?
Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a common, but serious disease. PAD occurs when cholesterol and other fatty deposits found within the blood accumulate within the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs. These fatty deposits are called plaque and over time, can narrow arteries, often reducing or entirely blocking the flow of blood.
While PAD is most commonly seen in the legs, it can also be present in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, arms, kidneys, and stomach. Upper extremity PAD that affects the arms, hands and fingers is less common, yet still affects approximately 10% of the population.
As peripheral arteries become narrowed or blocked, the health and function of vital body parts diminishes. PAD increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke, as extremities do not receive adequate oxygen-rich blood.
PAD is often overlooked, as there may be no symptoms at all. For those who do experience PAD symptoms, it is typically in the form of heaviness, cramping or fatigue in the legs during physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs. Leg or feet pain may also occur at rest or overnight.
Wounds on the legs, feet or toes may be slow to heal and color changes on the skin of the feet may occur. Poor toe nail growth and decreased leg hair are also signs of PAD.
ARE YOU TIRED OF DEALING WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE?
We know how much PAD can affect your life. Performing common day to day things becomes difficult, you stay tired and worn out, and not to mention it is painful. The great thing is… we get it! Our team understands the personalized care that you need to get you back doing what you love. At South Atlanta Vascular Institute, we specialize in using the most advanced, least invasive, treatment options for Peripheral Arterial Disease. Our team is here to listen to your specific needs and help you get your life back.
Who is at risk for peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease can occur for unknown reasons. However, risk for PAD increases if you are over the age of 50, a current or former smoker, have diabetes, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol. Your risk may also increase if you have had a heart attack or stroke in the past.
The first way to address mild to moderate PAD is through a series of targeted lifestyle changes. These long-lasting lifestyle changes include not smoking, becoming more physically active, following a low fat diet and working to decrease problematic blood work numbers.
For overweight or obese individuals, a decrease in weight can improve PAD. Likewise, following a healthy eating plan that includes vegetables, whole grains and fruits is also important. Individuals may be instructed to become more physically active, striving for 30 minutes or more of moderate activity per day. Working to decrease high blood pressure and cholesterol numbers will be also be vital, as will maintaining optimal blood glucose levels.
In the event that lifestyle changes are not enough to address PAD, medication may be prescribed. One or more medications may be used to lower cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure or treat diabetes. Additional medication may be necessary to prevent the formation of blood clots and to help decrease the chance of heart attack or stroke.
THE ANSWER YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR...
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SAVI?
MULTI-SPECIALTY PRACTICE – Our practice consists of both vascular interventionalists and vascular surgeons to allow us to completely treat our patients when it comes to vascular care.
OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER – Our facility is equipped with an outpatient surgery center that allows us to perform minimally invasive procedures in office.
ACR ACCREDITED ULTRASOUND FACILITY – We are proud to say that our office is an accredited ultrasound facility through the American College of Radiology
OUR #SAVISTAFF – From the time you walk in the door to the time you leave, our team is dedicated to making your experience here the absolute best.
How is PAD treated?
If you suspect that you have PAD, it is important to be seen by a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose and treat this circulatory disease. While a family physician may make the diagnosis, there are many specialists who work directly with patients who have PAD. At South Atlanta Vascular Institute, we have a diverse team of vascular medicine specialists, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and interventional radiologists. Your provider will take a medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and conduct one or more diagnostic tests to determine if you have PAD.
Once diagnosed, the goal of PAD treatment is to decrease symptoms, improve mobility and prevent stroke or heart attack. Based on the severity of the disease, as well as family history, your medical provider will recommend one or more approaches to treatment.
PAD treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication or a procedure to address narrowed or blocked peripheral arteries. One procedure that may be recommended is called an angioplasty. This treatment option utilizes a balloon like stent, used to stretch open a blocked artery. Bypass graft surgery is another procedure that can improve symptoms of PAD. With bypass graft surgery, blood flow is diverted around narrowed or clogged parts of the major arteries to improve blood flow to the heart.
At South Atlanta Vascular Institute, we utilize the latest techniques to improve outcomes for our PAD patients. We offer the least invasive treatment options, performed in our outpatient surgery center, allowing our patients less downtime so they are able to resume daily activity quicker.
We Can Help
At South Atlanta Vascular Institute, our practice consists of vascular interventionalists and surgeons who are able to diagnose and treat patients with PAD. Early detection and treatment of PAD can restore mobility, decrease risk of heart attack or stroke, and quite possibly save your life. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!.