Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects nearly 18 million Americans and goes undiagnosed in many more. A cardiovascular condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, PAD can be associated with coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and lead to limb amputation. Knowing the warning signs of PAD and seeking treatment early can drastically reduce your risk of developing an even more life-threatening condition.
PAD—which is also commonly referred to as peripheral arterial disease or peripheral vascular disease—results from atherosclerosis, a process by which the arteries harden and narrow. During atherosclerosis, a sticky substance called plaque starts to accumulate inside the walls of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the arms and legs. As more of this plaque builds up, it begins to impede blood flow through the arteries, dramatically reducing the amount of blood that reaches the legs, feet, heart, and brain and increasing the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
PAD refers specifically to the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet. Inadequate blood supply can result in heavy, tired, or cramping legs; pale, blue, or discolored feet; and sores or wounds on the feet, legs, or toes that heal slowly or not at all.
The most commonly associated symptom of PAD is called intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs or hips during walking. For patients who suffer from claudication, pain, discomfort, or fatigue in the leg muscles worsens with walking but usually subsides at rest. Because it is generally exacerbated by activity and often treated by rest, claudication can sometimes lead to worse cardiovascular health, putting patients with PAD at even greater risk for complications.
PAD develops slowly and gradually over time. However, if left untreated, it can eventually lead to critical limb ischemia, a severe blockage of the arteries that results in pain in the limbs even without movement. Patients with critical limb ischemia face a 25% amputation rate, amounting to approximately 160,000 people each year.
The more risk factors you have and the more symptoms you experience, the greater the probability that you already have or will develop PAD. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and prevent the disease from progressing.
Although PAD is a chronic condition, it can be treated and managed for a better quality of life. The primary focus of PAD treatment is to manage the symptoms, reduce pain and discomfort, and slow or halt disease progression. Depending on your specific needs and the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, a medical procedure, or a combination of these options.
Lifestyle changes often include attempts to improve your weight and overall health, such as adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen, quitting smoking, and managing current conditions like diabetes. You may be prescribed medications to improve blood flow, improve your mobility, decrease your pain when walking, and lower your cholesterol or blood pressure.
CardioVascular Health Clinic is dedicated to PAD treatments that emphasize limb salvage and amputation prevention. We lead the country in innovative new treatments for cardiovascular conditions and are Oklahoma's only endovascular specialist that routinely treats the small arteries below the knee and within the feet.
The physicians at CardioVascular Health Clinic pioneered the retrograde tibio-pedal, or retro-pedal, procedure, a revolutionary new outpatient alternative to amputation that rescues the affected limb and re-establishes blood flow. This minimally-invasive approach, which has a 96% success rate, reduces the risk of bleeding complications and improves patient recovery, requiring just two hours of post-surgical recovery time.
CardioVascular Health Clinic offers same-day procedures and cutting-edge care with lower associated costs than traditional hospitals. With eight state-of-the-art facilities, CardioVascular Health Clinic delivers personalized, quality care to patients all across Oklahoma and adjacent states. For more on PAD treatment, contact us today.
PAD is a serious condition, but it is preventable and manageable. Early identification of symptoms and warning signs can mean the difference between a treatable diagnosis and a possible amputation. Learn about your risk today for a healthier tomorrow.
