Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to your legs and arms, usually caused by plaque buildup. It can cause leg pain when you walk, slow-healing sores, and in severe cases, a risk of limb loss. At Signet Heart Group, we diagnose PAD in our office and offer treatment that includes catheter-based procedures.
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral arterial disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease, is a common vascular condition in which blood supply to the limbs is reduced due to the narrowing of arteries.
Causes of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease is caused by the accumulation of fat, calcium, and cholesterol in the arterial wall (atherosclerosis), resulting in reduced blood flow - and therefore oxygen - to the limbs. Some common factors include:
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Emotional stress
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
- Increased age
- Drugs
- Kidney failure
Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Symptoms of the peripheral arterial disease include:
- Ulcers on the legs
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Slow toenail growth
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pale or even bluish color of the toes (cyanosis)
- Hair loss
- Cold skin on the feet
- Burning sensation
Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination to check for a whooshing sound in the leg. Your doctor may also recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA): This study uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the blood vessels.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This study uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of soft-tissue structures such as the aorta.
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI): This test helps to compare the blood pressure of the ankle with the arm.
- Doppler ultrasound: This test measures the quality of blood flow through the blood vessels.
- Angiogram: This is an imaging test that uses a long, thin, flexible catheter that is passed through the bloodstream along with contrast dye to visualize blood flow in the arteries and veins. This also detects any plaque formation within the blood vessels.
- Blood tests: These tests help to determine the levels of cholesterol and C-reactive protein in the blood.
Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
The major goal of the treatment of peripheral arterial disease is to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. The most common treatment methods include:
Lifestyle Changes
- Quitting smoking: This mitigates the worsening of any peripheral arterial disease.
- Following a balanced diet: Adhering to a diet that is high in fiber and low in cholesterol.
- Medications: Your doctor will recommend cholesterol-lowering, anti-platelet, and anti-coagulant medications.
- Controlling diabetes: Maintaining blood sugar levels helps to reduce the risk of PAD.
- Physical exercise: Your doctor will recommend a supervised exercise training program that helps your muscles to use oxygen effectively and increases circulation.
If conservative methods fail to improve the symptoms, the following surgeries may be recommended:
- Angioplasty: This minimally invasive procedure involves placing a catheter into the artery, then inflating a balloon at the catheter tip to open the lumen and allow more blood flow.
- Thrombolytic therapy: In this therapy, certain drugs are used to help dissolve blood clots within the artery.
- Peripheral artery bypass surgery: A blood vessel from another part of the body is used to create a graft to bypass the blocked artery and improve peripheral blood flow.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group for Peripheral Arterial Disease
PAD is a core focus of our practice. Here is what sets our care apart:
- Experts in peripheral arterial disease: Our practice specializes in cardiology, interventional procedures, and peripheral arterial disease, including limb salvage.
- Endovascular expertise: Dr. Nikhil Joshi is ABVM certified in endovascular disease, and Dr. Tariq Yousuf is board certified in vascular imaging (RPVI).
- In-office vascular testing: We offer peripheral vascular ultrasound in our office to check blood flow in your legs.
- Minimally invasive treatment: When needed, our team performs peripheral angiography and peripheral vascular intervention to restore blood flow.
Peripheral Arterial Disease FAQs
What does PAD leg pain feel like?
Many people feel cramping, aching, or tiredness in the calves, thighs, or hips when walking that eases with rest. Some people have no symptoms at all.
How is PAD diagnosed?
PAD is often diagnosed with simple, painless tests that compare blood pressure in your arms and legs, along with ultrasound to see how blood flows through your arteries.
Can PAD be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many people improve with walking programs, quitting smoking, and medication. Catheter-based procedures such as angioplasty or stenting may help when symptoms limit your life.
Why does PAD matter for my heart?
People with PAD often have plaque buildup in other arteries, including those of the heart and brain. Treating PAD is also a chance to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Schedule Your Visit
If you have leg pain when you walk or a sore that will not heal, call Signet Heart Group at or request an appointment online at our offices in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma.
