Peripheral Arterial Disease

What is peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease is a narrowing or blockage in the peripheral blood vessels, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your arms and legs. The blockage most often develops from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel walls.

You can develop peripheral arterial disease in any of your peripheral blood vessels. However, the narrowing or blockage most often affects the blood vessels in the legs.

Having peripheral arterial disease increases your risk of developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease develops slowly over time and not everyone with the condition experiences symptoms. However, if you have leg pain when you walk or jog that improves when you rest, a condition known as claudication, then you may have peripheral arterial disease. 

Other signs and symptoms of peripheral arterial disease include:

• Muscle loss or weakness in the leg
• One leg or foot that feels colder than the other
• Hair loss or slow hair growth on your legs
• Slowing toenail growth
• Nonhealing leg wound or ulcer
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or feet
• Leg or ankle swelling
• Erectile dysfunction in men

You may be at greater risk of developing peripheral arterial disease if you have a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. 

How is peripheral arterial disease diagnosed?

The team at Advanced Vascular Solutions conducts comprehensive evaluations to diagnose peripheral arterial disease. During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history.

Then, they perform a physical exam and run various diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out peripheral arterial disease. Testing may include:

Ankle brachial index (ABI)

During an ABI, your provider compares blood pressure readings in your arms to the blood pressure readings in your legs. 

Ultrasound

To assess blood circulation through your peripheral arteries and look for signs of blockage, the team offers in-office ultrasounds. 

How is peripheral arterial disease treated?

The team at Advanced Vascular Solutions takes a patient-centered approach to care and develops treatment plans based on the severity of your peripheral arterial disease and your overall health.

Treatment may include:

• Diet modification
• Exercise program
• Smoking cessation
• Disease-specific medication
• Thrombolytic therapy
• Angioplasty
• Bypass surgery

With the right treatment, the team aims to improve circulation through your peripheral arteries and prevent serious health complications.

Call Advanced Vascular Solutions or book an appointment online today.