Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease, commonly abbreviated as PAD, is a circulatory problem that can cause mild, moderate, and even severe leg pain. This condition is widespread; the CDC estimates that about 6.5 million people in the country have this disease.
PAD is caused by a slow buildup of plaque in the arteries. Eventually, the deposits of fat accumulate enough to severely impact blood flow. The pain that is associated with this artery disease is caused by the impacted area not receiving enough oxygen.
How Is PAD Diagnosed?
There are a few different ways our physicians can diagnose this condition. In most cases, multiple tests will be performed to add certainty to the diagnosis. The five most common tests we run are physical exams, ankle-brachial indexes, ultrasounds, angiographies, and blood tests.
Physical Exam
Many of the common symptoms can be checked during a standard physical. A faint pulse, skin discoloration or coldness, and the development of sores are easy to identify. We can even identify the sound of a strained artery through a stethoscope. If we discover signs of PAD, we will run secondary tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Ankle-Brachial Index
This test compares the blood pressure of your ankles to the blood pressure of your arms. In a healthy body, the values should be relatively similar. However, in a patient who has PAD, an arm or leg may exhibit lower blood pressure because of a faulty artery. In addition to diagnosis, this test can help discover the severity of the condition as well.
Ultrasound
This unique imaging technique can provide a look inside the artery without the need for an invasive procedure. Blood flow and condition severity can all be evaluated through this type of testing.
Angiography
During this test, a specialized dye is injected into your blood vessels, allowing your physician to get a clear view of your blood flow patterns. A catheter angiography, which inserts a small hollow tube into your artery through the groin, can also be performed.
While catheter angiography is an invasive procedure, it also allows your physician to treat an impacted artery by widening it or administering medication to improve blood flow.
Blood Tests
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are solid indicators of heart and artery disease. When these factors are elevated, it is much more likely that arterial buildup is occurring. It can also check blood sugar levels to discover diabetes, which also increases the chances of developing PAD.
How Do We Treat PAD?
There are three categories of treatment that are all viable methods of improving and controlling PAD: medications, procedures, and supervised home remedies.
Medications
Many different preexisting conditions can lead to PAD. Medications to control cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood clots are all common treatments. By managing these factors, it is possible to improve the pain and functionality of the problematic arteries.
If necessary, medication can also be provided to relieve the symptoms of the disease. This helps patients manage the pain while a more permanent solution is underway.
PAD Treatment Procedures
While the angioplasty we previously discussed is an option, there is also the possibility of bypass surgery in severe cases. This involves a surgeon creating a path around the blocked artery, usually with a synthetic blood vessel.
Thrombolytic surgery can also be performed for peripheral vascular disease if a blood clot is responsible for the blockage. Your physician will inject a drug into the artery to dissolve the clot and restore the artery’s functionality.
Supervised Home Remedies For Treating PAD
You should always have these conditions checked by a physician since PAD can lead to serious complications and even death. Once thoroughly examined by a physician, you may be given some opportunities to make some changes at home to improve your condition.
This can include increasing activity, eating a healthy diet and nutrition, or avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. You can work with our medical professionals to find a lifestyle plan that is appropriate for your needs.
How Can I Prevent PAD?
The best way to prevent arterial buildup is to avoid smoking and follow an active and healthy lifestyle. You should be getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week to help keep your vascular system in good shape. Avoiding greasy, fatty, and unhealthy food will decrease the chances of deposits sticking to your arteries.
If you are someone struggling with illnesses like diabetes or other preexisting conditions, you should be serious about managing those as much as possible through healthy lifestyle choices. Keep your blood sugar and pressure in ideal parameters and taking steps to improve these conditions can work wonders toward preventing heart and artery disease.
Why Choose ViP?
ViP is a team of highly skilled medical professionals extensively trained in artery and vein disease. We have a reputation for taking the most severe cases that need the most specialized attention and treatment in the Phoenix area. We are proud to say that we have been highly successful in treating even the most complicated cases.
Benefits of IR Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment
There are a few different ways our physicians can diagnose this condition. In most cases, multiple tests will be performed to add certainty to the diagnosis. The five most common tests we run are physical exams, ankle-brachial indexes, ultrasounds, angiographies, and blood tests.
Precise:
Interventional radiologists rely on medical imaging to detect narrowing and blockages, which makes these treatments highly precise.
Safe:
Compared to open surgery, IR procedures to treat PAD are less risky and with fewer complications.
Convenient:
These procedures are done on an outpatient basis, which makes them convenient.
Fast:
IR procedures are quick and the recovery time for them is sooner than with open surgery.
Treat PAD at ViP in Scottsdale, AZ
If you are ready to learn more about how our team can help treat your PAD, and relief pain, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with the disease, then give our office in Phoenix a call at (480) 435-9100. If you would rather get a call back at a more convenient time, then fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you at your earliest convenience.