Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease in Arizona
Arizona Vein & Laser Institute’s board-certified physicians have over 40 years of circulatory system experience diagnosing and treating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Arizona. PAD is a common yet often misunderstood circulatory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Early detection of peripheral arterial disease is essential, as reduced blood supply can lead to complications such as tissue damage, ulcers, or even amputation in severe cases.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that occurs when the arteries outside of the heart and brain become narrowed or blocked. This is usually caused by the buildup of plaque on the arterial walls, a process called atherosclerosis. PAD primarily affects the arteries in the legs but can occur in other areas as well.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease symptoms can vary widely, with some individuals showing no signs until the disease has progressed significantly. The most common symptoms are pain and cramping in the legs, particularly during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. This discomfort occurs because the muscles are not receiving enough blood to meet their needs during exercise.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Leg pain that improves with rest and reoccurs during activity.
- Weakness or numbness in the lower limbs.
- Coldness in one leg or foot compared to the other.
- Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal.
- Shiny, discolored skin or slow-growing toenails.
- Reduced hair growth on the legs.
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
Untreated PAD increases the risk of severe complications, including critical limb ischemia (CLI), which is characterized by chronic pain and non-healing wounds, and may require urgent intervention.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease
We can help determine if you’re susceptible to PAD. Some of the most significant risk factors of PAD include:
- Smoking – Tobacco use damages blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes – High blood sugar contributes to arterial damage and plaque buildup.
- High Blood Pressure – Elevated blood pressure puts strain on the artery walls over time.
- High Cholesterol – Unhealthy cholesterol levels lead to plaque formation in the arteries.
- Age – People over 50 are at a higher risk of developing PAD.
- Obesity – Excess weight is linked to higher cholesterol, diabetes, and other vascular problems.
- Family History – A genetic predisposition to heart or circulatory disease can increase the chance of PAD.
Diagnosing Peripheral Artery Disease
Diagnosing PAD involves a physical exam and specialized tests to assess blood flow and detect artery narrowing. The most common diagnostic methods include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) – A simple, non-invasive test that compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to identify reduced blood flow.
- Vascular Ultrasound Imaging – Doppler ultrasound helps visualize blood movement and identify blockages.
- Angiography – A more advanced imaging technique using dye and X-rays to map blood vessels.
- Blood Tests – Assessing cholesterol and glucose levels can provide additional information on overall vascular health.
Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease treatment focuses on improving symptoms, preventing progression, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Treatment plans typically include a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive or surgical interventions.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making positive lifestyle changes is the best way to help enhance circulation. We typically try lifestyle changes before other treatments.
- Quitting Smoking – The single most effective action to halt disease progression.
- Exercise Programs – Supervised exercise therapy or walking routines can enhance blood flow and muscle endurance.
- Healthy Eating – Eating a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol supports vascular health.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to help manage PAD and the underlying risk factors. These may include:
- Antiplatelet Drugs – To reduce blood clots and improve circulation.
- Cholesterol-Lowering Medications – Such as statins, to address plaque buildup.
- Blood Pressure Medications – To keep hypertension under control.
- Diabetes Management – Monitoring glucose control for diabetic patients.
Advanced Procedures
For more severe cases of PAD, especially when symptoms do not respond to lifestyle changes and medication, minimally invasive or surgical procedures may be required:
- Angioplasty and Stenting – A catheter-based approach to open narrowed arteries and place a stent for long-term support.
- Atherectomy – A procedure that removes fatty plaque from the walls of arteries and veins.
- Bypass Surgery – Creating a graft to reroute blood flow around the blocked artery.
Preventing Peripheral Artery Disease
Prevention is always better than treatment. We recommend these tips to help lower your risk of developing PAD:
- Stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
- Monitor and manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Get regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have a family history of PAD or other cardiovascular diseases.
Take Control of Your Vascular Health
Arizona Vein and Laser Institute is dedicated to effectively diagnosing and treating vein and vascular conditions. PAD can be effectively managed when identified early. Let us help you take control of your vascular health. Reach out to our team to schedule an appointment.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful staff members. They are all courteous, professional and knowledgeable. Dr. Sharma is kind and knows veins
I've been coming to Dr Sharmas office and have been feeling a lot better since the treatments i had an open wound and after treatments it healed. The front staff frany and ayleen are awesome in always getting me in for My treatments. Dr Sharma is a great Dr he cares about his patients, he really takes his time explaining everything. I recommend for people to come here if they have vein problems!