Peripheral Artery Disease
Trinity Health Michigan's comprehensively-trained vascular surgeons are experts in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), having performed over 110 successful procedures each year to improve the overall quality of life for their patients.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
PAD is the buildup of plaque in the peripheral arteries leading to the stomach, head, arms and most commonly the legs. When the narrowing and blockage of arteries – or atherosclerosis – occurs, it decreases the blood flow and causes pain, difficulty walking and discoloration of the limbs. Complete loss of circulation can lead to amputation.
Smoking and diabetes are major risks for PAD. Early diagnosis is critical with close monitoring to determine the need for intervention.
Symptoms
- Burning
- Foot Pain
- Leg Cramps
- Numbness
Diagnosis
A physical health exam is the first step in determining if you have PAD. A physician may notice a whooshing sound when holding a stethoscope over the artery or may find decreased blood pressure in your limbs.
Your physician may order additional imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis, such as an ultrasound exam.
Treatment Options
The primary method for treating PAD is peripheral vascular intervention. Depending on the extent of the disease, intervention is often a minimally invasive outpatient (same day) procedure that restores flow to the involved extremity. If non-surgical methods aren't enough, your physician will pursue surgical bypass.
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- Abnormal Cholesterol
- Diabetes