Peripheral Interventions

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic condition that results from the narrowing of the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the legs, abdomen, pelvis, arms or neck.

The most common cause of PAD is the buildup of plaque on the inside of arteries. The plaque deposits decrease the space through which oxygen and nutrient rich blood can flow. Poor blood flow" starves" the muscles and other tissues in the lower body.

This process of plaque buildup arteriosclerosis usually occurs at the same time throughout the body. Specific arteriosclerosis locations can include the leg arteries, coronary arteries, and carotid arteries.

People with PAD have a risk of death mainly from stroke and heart attack that is 3 to 4 times greater than the risk that other people of the same age have.

PAD gradually develops over a lifetime, although symptoms typically do not occur until after age 65. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking contribute to arteriosclerosis and PAD.

The earliest and most common symptom of PAD is intermittent Claudication, a tightness or squeezing pain in the calf, thigh, or buttock during exertion, such as walking. The pain is usually triggered at a certain point after the same amount of exercise, and is relieved by rest.

Determining the ankle-brachial index, a comparison of the blood pressures in the legs and arms, is often the first test done to assess PAD. In addition, you may also have cholesterol tests, blood glucose testing for diabetes, and other blood tests to help your doctor determine your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other conditions related to PAD. Another common test is a Diagnostic Angiography Procedure.

Quitting smoking is by far the single most important factor in treating PAD. Your doctor will also strongly advise you to follow a heart friendly diet and an exercise program. You may need to take cholesterol lowering medications. People with diabetes should strictly control their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Combined, these measures can help reverse plaque buildup and improve the quality and length of your life. In many people, leg pain decreases after following the above treatments for several months.