Peripheral artery disease, known as (PAD), is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries of the legs, stomach, arms, and head (common in the arteries of the legs). PAD is somewhat similar to coronary artery disease (CAD).

1. USA Vascular Centers

2. What exactly peripheral artery disease is?

3. Peripheral artery disease, known as (PAD), is a narrowing of
the peripheral arteries of the legs, stomach, arms, and head
(common in the arteries of the legs). PAD is somewhat
similar to coronary artery disease (CAD).
PAD is caused by atherosclerosis that narrows and blocks
arteries in different parts of the body.

4. Astute facts about PAD

Most common symptoms of PAD include pain, tiredness
and cramping in lower extremities in the leg or hip
muscles while walking or climbing stairs. The pain is
subsides with rest, but annoys you when you walk again.

Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for
something else, thus it goes untreated often.

People with peripheral arterial disease are at a risk of
heart attack or stroke.

PAD could lead to gangrene and amputation if left
untreated

5. Added risks for PAD
People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes
are at high risk for PAD. And smokers are usually considered
to have a high risk for PAD.

6. Prevention
A few lifestyle changes can prevent risk of PAD significantly.
Here are the changes you need to make in your daily life to
keep PAD at a bay.

Be physically active as much as you can.

If you feel any sort of pain in the lower extremities, be
screened for PAD test called ankle-brachial index or ABI to
determine (consult a physician specialized in providing PAD
treatment).

Follow heart-healthy eating habits.

7. 
Quit smoking (if you smoke) and have a word with your
physician about programs that can help you quit smoking in a
healthy manner.

Keep your weight in check.

Know your family history of health problems related to PAD.
If someone in your family ever had such ailment, do tell your
physician.

8. Different PAD treatment procedures
Medications
Medicines like Cilostazol (Pletal), are used to treat
symptoms of peripheral arterial disease and to
manage health conditions that contribute to the risk of
heart attack and stroke.

9. Surgery
Surgery is only carried out in cases of severe peripheral
arterial disease (PAD) like disabling intermittent
claudication, open sores (ulcers that don’t heal), or sore
skin, bone and tissue problems (gangrene).
Depending upon the severity of PAD, surgeries like
Aortobifemoral bypass, Femoropopliteal (fem-pop) bypass
or Femoral-tibial bypass is carried out.

10. Other treatment
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is carried out during conditions that involve
severe pain and limping during exercise, pain when at rest,
or open sores. This procedure increases blood flow in
narrowed artery.
So if you experience severe leg pain, numbness, or pale, blue-
black skin, and foot or toe pain when you have rest, be sure
to consult a PAD treatment specialist.

11. For more Infomation about peripheral artery disease and
treatment. Please visit at usavascularcenters.com or call at
844-723-7240
USA Vascular Centers have dedicated specialists who assist
our patients in determining their coverage.

12. Thank you