Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease and Its Impact
If you’ve been experiencing leg pain or slow healing, it may be peripheral artery disease. This condition can require specialized treatment from a vascular specialist in order to help you maintain your day-to-day lifestyle. Here is what to know about peripheral artery disease and how our industry-leading team at South Florida Vascular Associates can help.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
The arteries are responsible for bringing oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. However, for many reasons, areas of the body, like the legs, may not receive enough nutrient-rich blood. Peripheral artery disease is a condition where the arteries in the legs become too narrow to allow enough blood to flow through. Over time, this lack of nutrients can cause damage to the tissues of the legs and feet.
What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?
In some cases, peripheral artery disease causes no symptoms. However, cramping when walking or moving around is one of the most common symptoms. Other symptoms in the legs and feet can include:
- Skin that feels cool to the touch
- A faint or absent pulse
- Slow healing, including sores and ulcers
- Coldness or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Hair loss
- Smooth, shiny skin
Some health conditions can present similarly to peripheral artery disease, meaning it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a vascular specialist.
Who is at Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease?
About 8 to 12 million people in the United States over age 50 have peripheral artery disease. Some groups are at a higher risk of developing it, including people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Smoking can also significantly increase your risk.
How is Peripheral Artery Disease Treated?
The best way to treat peripheral artery disease is to prevent it with a healthy and active lifestyle. Making adjustments to your daily life is key to any other treatment options you may opt for. The goal of treatment is revascularization to restore adequate blood flow and prevent significant tissue damage. Minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and atherectomy can be used to widen the blood vessels and relieve constriction.
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment in South Florida
At South Florida Vascular Associates, you can find cutting-edge treatment in a spa-like outpatient setting. To learn more about your treatment options, contact our office today by calling or filling out our online form.
Dr. Willian Julien
Dr. William Julien is a board-certified vascular interventional radiologist and the president of South Florida Vascular Associates. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions like PAD, BPH, uterine fibroids, varicose veins, and aortic aneurysms. Dr. Julien earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. Dr. Julien is a member of RSNA and the American Heart Association’s CVRI Council and serves on the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Practice Affairs Committee. He is involved in national device trials and speaks regularly at endovascular conferences. His outpatient endovascular suite is one of the first of its kind in the U.S., allowing patients to receive advanced care outside the hospital.
