What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. The leading cause of PAD is plaque buildup, called atherosclerosis. It is most common in the legs and feet, but people can also develop it in their arms. It can lead to skin changes, leg pain, wounds that don’t heal, and poor muscle perfusion.

Plaque builds on the artery wall, causing the artery to become hardened and more narrow. The plaque is mostly fat and cholesterol. There is a reduction of oxygenated blood flow because of the blockage in the artery.

Many people have peripheral artery disease, but not everybody experiences the symptoms. The symptoms usually develop slowly over a long period of time. People often mistake the symptoms as signs of aging, but it is always a good idea for anyone to see a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about this disease.

Signs & Symptoms

It is possible for somebody to have PAD but not be experiencing any of the symptoms. In fact, up to two out of every five PAD patients do not have leg pain. Intermittent claudication is a pain in the muscles that happens at times of physical activity and subsides with rest. It is one of the most common symptoms of peripheral artery disease.

The American Heart Association indicates these symptoms for PAD:

  • Leg weakness or numbness
  • Muscle cramping in the legs while walking, exercising, or climbing stairs
  • Leg pain that fails to subside after exercise
  • Wounds or sores on the foot or toes that do not heal or heal slowly
  • Discoloration of the skin in the foot
  • Dead tissue (Gangrene)
  • Decreased temperature of leg or foot compared to other parts of your body
  • Slower growth of hair or nails on feet and legs
  • Reduced pulse in legs or feet

Risk Factors

The major PAD causes and risk factors are the same as atherosclerosis in the coronary and neck arteries. Patients with peripheral artery disease have an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, or a heart attack. Left untreated, it can also lead to amputation.

You should get screened if you exhibit any of the following risk factors:

  • Diabetes
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • High Cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • History of Smoking
  • Advanced Age (Over 65)
  • Foot or Leg Wounds or Ulcers
  • One Foot Colder than the Other
  • History of Heart Attack or Stent
  • Family History of PAD

The presence of three or more of these risk factors makes the risk for PAD ten times more likely.

Peripheral Artery Disease Statistics

Peripheral artery disease affects a significant number of people. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent severe complications.

A look at facts and statistics about the disease reveal its prevalence, and the consequences of putting off treatment.

  • 8 million to 12 million Americans live with PAD. That’s more people who live with PAD than all types of cancer combined
  • Up to 40% of people living with PAD don’t experience leg pain
  • Roughly 40% of Americans have been formally diagnosed with PAD
  • When treated early, up to 90% of PAD-related amputations can be avoided, studies suggest
  • Currently, as much as 25% of people living with diabetes are at risk of losing part of their leg or foot due to PAD
  • While roughly 50% of people living with PAD are asymptomatic, they’re at an increased risk of stroke, mortality, and myocardial infarction (when one or more areas of the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen)
  • Among people diagnosed with PAD, around 11% have critical limb ischemia (CLI). In CLI, the blood supply to the limb is insufficient to meet the resting metabolic needs of the tissue, causing persistent pain, skin ulceration, and gangrene
  • 54% of amputations in the United States are a result of PAD
  • In the United States, the mortality rate one year after major amputation is about 48%

Regular checkups with your doctor and awareness of the symptoms of PAD go a long way in identifying and addressing complications early, and preventing them from progressing to the point where amputation is required.

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease can be treated if it’s diagnosed early.

The treatment for PAD depends on the patient and the severity of the disease. All patients with PAD are advised to maintain a healthy diet and take medications as prescribed.

If the patient is a smoker, it’s very likely his or her doctor will ask him or her to stop smoking and begin a structured walking program, if possible.

If the disease can’t be managed with these lifestyle changes alone, other options for treatment are peripheral artery bypass surgery, or endovascular intervention, which is MG Heal’s specialty.

Who is the Best Doctor for Peripheral Artery Disease?

Vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional radiologists treat peripheral artery disease.

All the physicians at MG Heal are trained to revascularize the arteries below the knee, including the pedal loop, which provides blood flow to the feet and toes.

MG Heal’s physicians provide specialized care:

  • Practice focused exclusively on lower extremity PAD diagnosis and treatment
  • Expertise in advanced limb salvage techniques targeting the small vessel from the ankle to the toe
  • Dedicated outpatient vascular testing staff by nationally registered vascular sonographers
  • Outpatient catheterization lab services in a safe, easily accessible office setting
  • Center of excellence in the areas of patient care, referral coordination, education, and research

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