18 Million Americans Suffer from PAD
Peripheral arteries, primarily in a patient’s legs may develop atherosclerotic plaques that obstruct the lumen of these arteries restricting blood flow. This is known as “PAD” or “PVD”. In it’s mild form the blockages may be asymptomatic or lead to pain in the leg with ambulation known as “claudication”. This can result in a loss of walking distance. If the blockages are more severe the limb can be starved of vital nutrients and the patient will experience pain or numbness in the toes or foot at rest, particularly at night. This is known as “ischemic rest-pain.” In its most severe form the blockages can lead to death of tissue producing non-healing ulcers or gangrene necessitating amputation. Appropriate treatment can prevent or reverse these complications. An urgent referral to a vascular surgeon is necessary to evaluate the situation and prevent limb loss. Revascularization can often be achieved utilizing minimally invasive interventional procedures such as angioplasty, atherectomy and stenting which can be performed on an ambulatory basis.
Is Periperal Artery Disease Preventable?
Yes. Controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol are all helpful in preventing PAD. Most important, avoid tabacco usage, which increases risk for PAD by 2-6 times.
Why should I worry about Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease, in its worst form, can lead to surgery or amputation of the limbs. Also, people with PAD are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
Do more men get Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease affects men and women equally, but here is a higher incidence among Hispanics and African Americans. 12-20% of people over the age of 60 have PAD. -Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Peripheral Artery Disease Fact Sheet 2016.
FOX Vascular Care Services offered:
- Screening (ABI)/diagnosisvascular lab (Duplex)
- Treatment: Angiography, Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting
- Wound Care
- Follow-up: Surveillance, monitoring