Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

More than 160,000 amputations are performed yearly, many due to peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD affects nearly 18 million Americans, but knowing the signs early can help prevent you or a loved one from losing a limb.

The team at Cardiovascular Health Clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating PAD.

Boasting dedicated, caring physicians and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide comprehensive care with a personalized approach.

We are committed to helping you evaluate your risk of developing PAD and treating any symptoms you may already be experiencing.

Let’s discuss peripheral artery disease in more detail, including what it is, common symptoms, and effective PAD treatment options.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is a cardiovascular condition caused by a buildup of plaque on the interior walls of the arteries.

Your arteries carry blood from your heart to your legs and feet. However, when arteries begin to harden and constrict due to plaque buildup—a process called atherosclerosis—healthy blood flow is severely diminished.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, PAD can lead to limb amputation. Therefore, prompt PAD treatment is essential to avoid long-term complications.

PAD Symptoms

You may have PAD if you are suffering from one or more of the following symptoms:

Tiredness, heaviness, or cramping in the leg muscles
Toes or feet that look pale, discolored, or blue
Leg or foot pain that disturbs your sleep
Sores or wounds on your toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all
A leg or foot that feels colder than the other
Thick, yellow toenails that are not growing

The more symptoms that you experience, the higher your risk of PAD.

Who is At Risk for PAD?

PAD does not target any specific demographic, but some common risk factors exist. You may be at risk for PAD if you are an adult 50 years old or older, a current or former smoker, or an individual diagnosed with the following conditions:

Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol

If you identify with one or more risk factors, speak to a CHC physician today about steps to reduce your risk and prevent the disease from progressing.

PAD Treatment

PAD is not reversible or curable, but it is manageable.

You can take a wide range of steps to help control the symptoms and reduce any pain or discomfort.

PAD treatment may also help to slow or halt disease progression and minimize potential complications.

Lifestyle changes are the simplest and most immediate ways to manage your PAD.

The most effective ways to manage PAD naturally include:

Quitting smoking
Managing your diabetes more closely
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Exercising regularly

As with any change to your health regimen, consult your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise. They can also be an excellent resource for services and tools to help you get—and stay—on the path toward a healthier life.

Aside from lifestyle changes, certain medications can be beneficial options in PAD treatment.

Our physicians may prescribe medications to:

Lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure
Thin your blood to prevent clots
Improve your mobility and reduce leg pain

There are also a variety of possible treatment procedures, including

An angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a balloon is inflated inside a blocked artery to restore blood flow
A stent is a tiny tube placed in the blocked artery to keep it open
An atherectomy is another minimally invasive procedure that uses a medical device to open blocked arteries.
Bypass surgery is an intensive surgical procedure that uses a blood vessel or synthetic tube to bypass blockages in an artery.

Depending on your unique situation, our physicians may suggest a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and procedures.

Effective PAD Treatment in Oklahoma

The physicians at CHC are qualified to diagnose and treat PAD, and you do not need a referral to seek treatment.

PAD is a serious disease, but it is treatable. Early identification and personalized PAD treatment can mean the difference between a manageable diagnosis and an amputation.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late. If you or a loved one are experiencing PAD symptoms, we can help. Call us at (405) 701-9880 or book an appointment online today.

Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.

Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.