Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral arterial disease, is a relatively common circulatory condition in which blood flow to your limbs is reduced due to narrowed arteries.
Because your arms or legs do not receive enough blood flow, it causes symptoms such as pain when walking, numbness or weakness in your limbs, coldness, cramping, or a change in the color of your legs. PAD is also often a sign of atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.
If left untreated, PAD may progress to the point where pain may occur when you are resting or lying down and disrupt your sleep.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common heart condition characterized by narrowed arteries, which can slow blood flow to the limbs. Recognizing the risk factors associated for PAD is vital for both prevention and effective management.
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Advanced age, especially after age 65
- A family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke
- High levels of the amino acid homocysteine
By understanding and addressing these factors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing PAD, thereby enhancing their overall vascular health and ensuring a better quality of life.
Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Often, PAD can be successfully treated by eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly. However, when it is severe, PAD needs to be addressed by a qualified cardiologist like Dr. Eli S. Levine, Dr. Michael A. Schechter, and Dr. Eric A. Kupferstein at Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute in Boca Raton, Florida.
Some of the most common treatment options for PAD include the following.
Medications play a pivotal role in treating PAD, working to enhance blood flow and reduce the risk of future complications. Our physicians may recommend any of the following medications:
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
- High blood pressure medications
- Medications to control blood sugar and prevent blood clots
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that improves blood flow in narrowed or blocked arteries. During the procedure, a catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels to the affected artery, where a small balloon is then inflated to widen the artery and restore proper circulation. In many cases, a stent may also be placed to help keep the artery open long-term.
This approach not only alleviates symptoms such as pain and cramping but also significantly enhances patient mobility and quality of life by ensuring enough blood supply to the limbs.
Bypass surgery is a significant treatment option for PAD, especially in severe cases where blood flow needs to be restored. This procedure involves creating an alternative path around a blocked artery using a blood vessel harvested from another part of the body or with a synthetic vessel.
By effectively rerouting blood flow, bypass surgery alleviates symptoms like pain and cramping, enhances patient mobility, and greatly improves quality of life.
Thrombolytic therapy involves the direct injection of a clot-dissolving drug into the artery, effectively breaking down blood clots and restoring circulation.
By improving blood flow, thrombolytic therapy alleviates symptoms and minimizes the risk of further complications. This approach not only addresses immediate blockages but also enhances overall patient outcomes by maintaining proper vascular health.
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment in Boca Raton, FL
To learn more about treatment for peripheral arterial disease, contact Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute at (561) 235-5621 and schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified cardiologists. You may also use our convenient online appointment request form to arrange your visit.
