Peripheral Artery Disease Specialist

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing or blockage in your peripheral arteries. These blood vessels supply oxygen-rich blood to your arms and legs. The narrowing or blockage results from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel wall, a condition called atherosclerosis. It’s commonly called “hardening of the arteries.”

Though PAD can affect any of the peripheral arteries, it most often develops in the legs. You could be at risk of developing PAD if you’re a smoker or have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or diabetes.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Leg pain during physical activity is the most common symptom of peripheral artery disease. This pain is known as claudication.

Other symptoms you could have with PAD include:

• Leg cramping
• Leg swelling
• Slowed toenail growth
• Change in hair growth on the legs
• Leg or foot sores that won’t heal
• Shiny skin on your legs

In men, erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of PAD.

If you have these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Sarasota Vascular Specialists today.

How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?

The Sarasota Vascular Specialists team completes a thorough medical history and physical exam when you come in with concerns about peripheral artery disease. To diagnose PAD, they perform several tests, including:

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

Your provider measures your blood pressure in your arm and your ankle, monitoring blood flow with an ultrasound.

Vascular ultrasound

The team uses sound wave technology to evaluate the circulation through your arteries, looking for areas of narrowing or blockages.

CAT scan

A CAT scan provides detailed images of your blood vessels.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

The team creates individualized treatment plans for peripheral artery disease based on how severe your condition is. Initial treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and medical interventions, such as:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Taking medicine to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure
• Taking Trental® and Pletal® to ease the pain when walking

If your peripheral artery disease is severe and affects the circulation in your legs, the team can perform the requisite endovascular procedures. These include atherectomy (removing plaque with a catheter) and angioplasty and stenting (opening narrowed vein with a balloon and placing a mesh-metal tube to keep the vein open).

To schedule your peripheral artery disease evaluation, call Sarasota Vascular Specialists or book an appointment online today.