Overview
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries to the legs. This buildup typically occurs gradually. If allowed to progress, blood flow in that artery can become limited or blocked all together.
PAD is relatively common, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. It is more common in people who are 65 or older, but can occur at nearly any age.
Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, kidney failure and obesity increase your risk for PAD.
How would you know if you have PAD?
Many patients experience no symptoms because over time they slowly decrease their activity to avoid symptoms of PAD (pain with walking).
Fatigue or cramping of your muscles (claudication) in the calf, thigh, hip, or buttock may signal you have PADS. Typically the discomfort is felt after walking a certain distance and goes away with rest. If you have pain in your toes or feet while resting, you may have an advancing case of PAD. The most advanced stage of PAD is an open wound or ulcer on your toes or feet, often at a pressure point on the foot. An ulcer can progress to gangrene. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
What causes PAD?
The causes of PAD include smoking, high cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, and obesity. Genetic factors also play a role, but are not well understood. Of all of these risk factors smoking is the most critical.
Testing for PAD?
You will be asked questions about symptoms and medical history, including questions about family members. The vascular surgeon will also perform a physical exam.
Tests that may be recommended:
Managing PAD
The first phase for treating early PAD is medical care. Risk factors should be aggressively treated - especially smoking cessation. A regular walking program will also provide tremendous benefit. Controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes will also help control the disease. 80-90% of patients that reliably follow a conservative plan of care will avoid a surgery or percutaneous intervention.
If your symptoms progress despite these efforts, there are medications to treat the disease. Pletal and Trental are oral medications that help the blood circulate through damaged and diseased arteries. They become effective over a 6-8 week period when patients can see improvement in their walking distance.
If PAD is causing serious symptoms, further treatments such as balloon angioplasty, stent placement, or surgical bypass can be very effective in improving the blood flow to the affected leg.
Staying Healthy
Vascular Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Vascular Surgery