Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs. PAD is a sign of fatty deposits and calcium building up in the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis). PAD affects arteries of the limbs or peripheral areas of the body, predominantly in the legs.
- Risk factors include aging, diabetes, and smoking.
- Symptoms may include leg pain, particularly when walking.
- Tobacco cessation, exercise, and a healthy diet are often successful treatments.
- When these changes aren’t enough, medications or surgery can help.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD), an initial step is a physical exam. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history. If you have peripheral artery disease, the pulse in the affected area may be weak or missing.
Tests to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) or check for conditions that cause it may include:
- Blood tests. Blood tests are done to check for things that increase the risk of PAD, such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI). This is a common test used to diagnose PAD. It compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. You may be asked to walk on a treadmill. Blood pressure readings may be taken before and right after exercising to check the arteries during walking.
- Ultrasound of the legs or feet. Sound waves create pictures of how blood moves through the blood vessels of the legs or feet. Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound used to spot blocked or narrowed arteries.
- Angiography. This test uses imaging and dye to look for blockages in the arteries. The dye is given through a blood vessel. It helps the arteries show up more clearly on the test images.
Treatment
Based on findings, you may be prescribed medicines to treat PAD and prevent complications. These may include antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots from forming and narrowing the arteries even further. These medicines also lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. When medications are not sufficient, a surgical approach may be recommended.
Angioplasty & Stenting
Angioplasty is a procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed arteries. The term “angioplasty” means using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. Most modern angioplasty procedures also involve inserting a short wire mesh tube, called a stent, into the artery during the procedure. The stent is left in place permanently to allow blood to flow more freely.
About the Procedure
The procedure is often conducted in the comfort of our office. You will be awake for the procedure. You will get medicine to prevent pain and help you relax. First, your doctor will do a test to find narrowed arteries. He will put a tiny tube into an artery in your groin or leg.
Benefits
In most cases, the blood flow through the arteries improves after an angioplasty. Many people find their symptoms get significantly better and they’re able to do more than they could before the procedure.
Safety
Angioplasty is very safe. You may get a bruise, feel sore, or have some bleeding where the tubes were inserted. More serious problems don’t happen very often, but they are possible. They can include serious bleeding, blood clots, and narrowing of the artery again.
Recovery
It may take 6-8 weeks to recover fully. Your leg on the side of the procedure may be swollen for a few days or weeks. This will improve as the blood flow to the limb becomes normal.