Skip to main content

5 Things You Need to Know About Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

When you think about plaque buildup in your blood vessels (atherosclerosis), you may automatically think about the arteries in your heart. But those aren’t the only blood vessels at risk of the narrowing or blockage caused by the accumulation of plaque along the walls. 

The blood vessels that supply blood to the rest of your body, referred to as your peripheral arteries, are also susceptible to plaque buildup. It’s estimated that more than 8 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease (PAD), the medical term for this condition. 

At Memphis Vein Center in Memphis, Tennessee, our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Kishore Arcot, wants you to know more about PAD and how it can affect your health.

1. PAD risk factors

It’s possible to have peripheral artery disease and not know it. In many cases, PAD develops without causing any symptoms.

However, there are factors that increase your risk of developing PAD, such as:

You may also be at risk of PAD if you have high blood homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a protein that helps build and maintain body tissue. 

2. Know the signs and symptoms of PAD

As previously noted, you can have PAD without exhibiting signs and symptoms. Or, your symptoms may be mild and dismissed as the general aches and pains of aging.

PAD most often affects the blood vessels in your legs. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of PAD include:

In addition to various symptoms that affect your legs, erectile dysfunction in men is also a common symptom of PAD. 

3. How PAD affects your health

Like other vascular conditions, PAD increases your risk of developing health complications, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke. 

Reduced or blocked blood flow through your peripheral blood arteries also increases your risk of developing critical limb ischemia, which may cause constant pain and sores on your legs that don't heal.

Over time, due to poor circulation and the inability to properly heal, your sores may become infected, which may lead to gangrene (tissue death) and limb amputation. 

4. Preventing PAD

Though you can’t change all the factors that increase your risk of developing PAD, making a few lifestyle changes may lower your odds and improve your health. 

For preventing PAD, we recommend:

We also strongly encourage you to make healthy food choices that include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein like fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. 

5. Treating your PAD

We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. Our team works closely with you to design a treatment plan that improves blood circulation, overall health, and quality of life. 

The specifics of your plan depend on your symptoms, risk factors, lifestyle, and medical history. In addition to healthy lifestyle changes, we may also suggest prescription medication to improve blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as medication to prevent the formation of blood clots.

If medical management fails to improve your PAD or you’re at risk of developing more serious health issues, we may suggest surgical intervention, such as:

PAD is a common circulatory condition, but we provide treatments that improve blood vessel health and reduce your risk of complications.

If you have concerns about PAD, we can help. Contact us by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Could My Chest Pain Be Related to Acid Reflux?

Chest pain is frightening because it’s a major sign of a heart attack or cardiovascular condition. Yet many health problems cause chest pain that can mimic a heart attack, including acid reflux. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Consider These Treatment Options for PAD

Consider These Treatment Options for PAD

Why should you seek early treatment for peripheral artery disease? Because without treatment, PAD progresses, causing gangrene and resulting in more than half of all lower leg amputations. The good news is you have a range of treatment options.
Why You Should Never Neglect a Leg Ulcer

Why You Should Never Neglect a Leg Ulcer

You should never ignore leg ulcers, because they won’t heal without treatment. They put you at risk of developing serious infections and even amputation. Keep reading to learn the signs that you should seek treatment.
 5 Signs You May Have Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

5 Signs You May Have Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain seldom consider going to a vascular specialist. But you need a blood vessel expert when pelvic congestion syndrome is the cause of your pain. Seek help if you have signs of this painful condition.
How Do I Know If My Chest Pain Is Serious?

How Do I Know If My Chest Pain Is Serious?

You can’t always tell if your chest pain is serious. The challenge is deciding when you need immediate emergency care or it’s safe to schedule an office evaluation. Here you’ll learn telltale signs to help guide your decision.

The Dangers of DVT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops in your legs, and from there, the blood clot can travel to your lungs and turn into a life-threatening condition. Here’s everything you need to know about DVT and the potential dangers it poses to your health.