What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic condition that is characterized by the accumulation of plaque, narrowing the arteries, often in the legs. This plaque is typically caused by atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries due to the gradual buildup of cholesterol and scar tissue, leading to reduced blood flow or complete obstruction of the artery. Since it is a systemic condition, individuals with atherosclerosis are more likely to have blocked arteries in other parts of their body, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke.
- The Center for Disease Control reports that in the U.S., PAD affects 12-20% of individuals aged 60 and older, indicating a significant prevalence of the condition in this demographic.
- According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, over 10 million people in the U.S. are affected by PAD, making it a relatively common condition.
Why Choose Us for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Treatment?
NEPA Vascular Institute offers both minimally invasive and Surgical Treatments for patients diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
- Cramping of the leg or hip during activity (Claudication)
- Numbness, tingling and fatigue in lower legs and feet
- Leg or foot sores that won’t heal
- Coldness or color change in skin of legs or feet
- Muscle atrophy, hair loss and smooth shiny skin on legs
- Leg or foot pain that awakens you at night
Risk Factors
The most common risk factors are:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Atherosclerosis
- High cholesterol/triglycerides
- Kidney failure
- Obesity/physical inactivity
- Family history of heart disease
- Being over the age of 60
Detection
To confirm the diagnosis of PAD, your doctor may conduct an ankle blood pressure measurement (Ankle-Brachial Index, ABI) or CT Angiogram as the symptoms of PAD may overlap with those of other conditions.
