What is PAD?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a form of atherosclerotic diseasecaused by plaque building up in the arteries and causing them to become narrowed or blocked. This process is called atherosclerosis.. This is the same process that can cause heart attacks from blockages in the heart arteries and strokes from blockages of the carotid arteries. When this process occurs in the arteries that bring blood to the legs, we call it peripheral vascular disease. This can cause pain in the legs with exercise like walking. This is called claudication. If this process continues, it can lead to pain even without walking, as well as the risk of tissue loss in the foot or leg.
By intervening early with medication, endovascular procedures or vascular surgery, the surgeons of NGPG Vascular Center can help reduce the risk of complications from this disease.
Who is at Risk?
People who are at risk for peripheral arterial disease include those who have a positive family history of atherosclerotic disease, whether it was heart attack, stroke or limb loss from gangrene. PAD is more commonly found in males and in diabetics. People who smoke are also at increased risk. Diet control for sugar and cholesterol management, along with regular exercise and avoiding tobacco, including second-hand smoke, will lessen the chances of significant arterial disease.
The early symptoms of PAD will be the development of pain in the leg, usually in the calf, while walking. Patients note that the amount they can walk is limited to a specific distance and is consistent every day. Frequently, patients who have significant arthritis that limits their activity will have “good days” and “bad days,” whereas patients with vascular pain have the same pain at the same distance every day, and the pain resolves with a few minutes of rest. They can then walk another specific distance before having to stop again. Walking up an incline or having to walk at a faster pace will usually bring on the symptoms more quickly and at a shorter distance.
We Can Help
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, NGPG Vascular Center can help with your evaluation. The blood supply to the legs can be checked with a machine that uses blood pressure cuffs to measure the amount of blood flowing in the vessels. This painless procedure is performed along with the use of ultrasound waves to measure the actual velocity of the blood flowing in the arteries. This can determine if a problem exists. Imaging studies are then performed to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. These tests may include CT scans or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to visualize the blood vessels and look for blockages.
An arteriogram can also be performed. This requires placing a small tube called a catheter inside the blood vessel and injecting contrast to see the blocked areas. By analyzing the results of these tests, your surgeon can recommend the appropriate treatment for your particular problem. Treatments include medication, stents or bypass surgery. The goals of this therapy are first to prevent loss of limb and second to improve your level of activity so you can do what you enjoy every day.
Contact
The surgeons at NGPG Vascular Center will review all of your diagnostic tests and images in order to recommend the best treatment for your aneurysm.
View our vascular providers, or call 770-219-4000 to schedule an appointment.