Peripheral Artery Disease

If you smoke or have high blood pressure, you’re also at risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Fortunately, PAD is easy to manage with healthy lifestyle changes and medication. At Heart and Vascular Care in Plano, Texas, board-certified cardiologist Bhupinder Singh, MD, works with men and women to diagnose and treat peripheral artery disease. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book online today.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes the peripheral arteries in your head, legs, stomach, and arms to narrow. This prevents adequate blood flow throughout your body, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

PAD can affect peripheral nerves in any part of the body, but it’s especially common in the lower extremities. If you have PAD, you might experience pain or cramps when walking or exercising. If you sit down or take a break, pain caused by PAD usually goes away.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease affects everyone differently. Common side effects include:

• Leg pain
• Calf pain
• Foot pain
• Buttock pain
• Leg cramps (claudication)
• Cramps that occur off and on (intermittent claudication)
• Blocked arteries (critical limb ischemia)

As PAD progresses, you might also experience open wounds or slow healing sores. Without proper treatment, PAD can also result in gangrene or amputation.

How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?

To diagnose PAD, Dr. Singh conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your symptoms. Next, he checks the pulse in your legs, to see if it’s weak. Dr. Singh also uses the ankle-brachial index (ABI). This pain-free exam compares the blood pressure in your feet and the blood pressure in your arms. If your ankle pressure is less than 50% of your arm pressure, it indicates PAD. 

If ABI indicates an abnormal result, Dr. Singh might recommend further screening, such as an angioplasty or ultrasound imaging to pinpoint potential artery problems or blockages. 

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

To treat peripheral artery disease, Dr. Singh usually recommends a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medications. For example, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can significantly ease your symptoms.

If PAD progresses, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Singh offers several minimally invasive treatments, including:

• Peripheral stents
• Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)
• Thrombectomy
• Mechanical thrombectomy
• Laser thrombectomy 
• Atherectomy

No two PAD treatment plans are exactly alike. Dr. Singh makes recommendations based on your individual health history and goals. Using his years of training and expertise, Dr. Singh can minimize the uncomfortable effects of PAD, helping you live a longer and more fulfilling life.

If you’re concerned about your risk of peripheral artery disease, schedule an appointment at Heart and Vascular Care. Call the office or book online today.