Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease is a circulatory problem that occurs when the walls of the arteries to your limbs thicken, narrowing the space for blood to flow, which is then not able to keep up with demand. Most often affecting the legs, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is generally a sign of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can slow blood flow to the heart and brain as well as the extremities. The symptoms of PAD often go unrecognized, but there are approximately 10 million adults in the United States that suffer from PAD.
Some people with Peripheral Artery Disease experience leg pain when walking or exercising. Known as claudication, this pain can be mild to severe, and usually disappears after resting for a few minutes. Other symptoms of peripheral artery disease can include leg numbness or weakness, sores that won’t heal, coldness in legs or feet, and slowing growth of toenails and hair on legs and feet. Patients suffering from PAD are at a higher risk for cardiovascular conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Advanced Peripheral Artery Disease can lead to gangrene and require limb amputation.
Smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol all increase the risk of developing peripheral artery disease. Age and family history are also risk factors.
Our physicians have the expertise and advanced tools to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease.
To learn more about peripheral artery disease and the minimally invasive treatments that NG Vascular & Vein Center offers, please contact us.