What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a common circulatory disorder resulting in arterial insufficiency. PAD occurs when fatty deposits, called plaques, build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the extremities. PAD most commonly affects the legs (lower extremities) and occasionally the arms (upper extremities). Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, slow wound healing, and an increased risk of infections.
What are PAD’s symptoms?
The symptoms of PAD can vary depending on the location and severity of the artery blockages. Common symptoms include:
- Claudication: Pain, cramping, or fatigue in the muscles of the legs or arms during physical activity or exercise. The pain often subsides with rest.
- Numbness or Weakness: Reduced sensation or weakness in the legs or arms, especially during movement.
- Slow Wound Healing: Wounds or sores on the extremities that take longer to heal than usual.
- Coolness or Discoloration: Cold skin or a bluish tint to the extremities due to reduced blood flow.
How is PAD diagnosed?
At The Iowa Clinic, we offer comprehensive screenings to accurately diagnose PAD and determine its extent. Our vascular surgeons may use non-invasive tests such as ankle-brachial index (ABI) and ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify any arterial blockages.
How do you treat PAD?
Treatment for PAD aims to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Common treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, following a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise, can help manage PAD.
- Medications: Medications such as antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure medications may be prescribed to manage risk factors and improve blood flow.
- Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is used to widen the narrowed artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open.
- Atherectomy: A procedure to remove the plaque from the artery using a rotating device.
- Bypass Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments are not effective, bypass surgery may be required to reroute blood flow around the blocked artery.
Risks and Complications of PAD
As with any medical procedure, treatments for PAD carry certain risks. Potential complications may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, or damage to surrounding tissues.
Additionally, PAD can increase the risk of serious complications, such as non-healing wounds and limb amputation if left untreated. Our experienced vascular surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks and strive to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.
Learn how one patient received care for his Peripheral Artery Disease by The Iowa Clinic’s Vascular surgeon, Eric Scott, MD to get back up and running after treatment.
If you think you may have peripheral artery disease, talk with your Primary Care physician or fill out our vein assessment form to get in touch with The Iowa Clinic Vascular Surgery Department. You can also give us a call at 515.875.9090 to schedule an appointment.