Peripheral Arterial Disease Specialist

What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

PAD is a condition in which your leg arteries don’t get enough blood. That prevents vital oxygen and nutrients from reaching your legs and feet, leading to leg discomfort. Peripheral arterial disease usually starts in one leg, but it can affect both legs as well. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

PAD causes leg pain and other symptoms in most people, although as many as 4 in 10 people don’t experience leg pain.

The main symptom of peripheral arterial disease is intermittent claudication — leg discomfort like aching, pain, or cramping that increases when you’re walking and fades when you’re off your feet. Some people also experience foot pain, which may disrupt sleep. 

People with PAD can experience difficulty healing. For example, a leg or foot wound may not heal normally because it’s not receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. That can lead to an ulcer (a wound that doesn’t heal). 

Eventually, a nonhealing wound may lead to gangrene (tissue death). Untreated, gangrene could spread and require foot or leg amputation. 

What causes peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

PAD usually develops because of atherosclerosis, which typically occurs with high cholesterol. When you have high cholesterol, the cholesterol and fats can accumulate within your artery walls.

These deposits, called plaque formations, can increase until they greatly reduce blood flow, leading to peripheral arterial disease. Plaque deposits may harden and break open, causing a blood clot. The clot can further restrict blood flow or even cut off blood completely.

Common risk factors for high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and PAD include smoking, diabetes, hypertension, extra weight (more than 30% over your healthy weight), and an inactive lifestyle. 

How is peripheral arterial disease (PAD) treated?

Treatment of PAD usually includes several approaches, including weight loss, eating habit changes, medication, and revascularization. The process of revascularization involves restoring the blood flow in the affected artery. 

At South Florida Vascular Associates, the team specializes in minimally invasive revascularization procedures on-site at the state-of-the-art endovascular suite. The team can recommend a procedure ideal for your needs. 

If you have tired, achy, and painful legs, it could be peripheral arterial disease. South Florida Vascular Associates offers effective procedures to restore your blood flow on an outpatient basis, so call the office or click on the online scheduler to arrange your consultation now.