Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet. Reduced blood flow can lead to leg pain while walking, numbness, non-healing wounds, and in severe cases, gangrene. Advanced minimally invasive endovascular treatments such as angioplasty and stenting can effectively restore circulation and improve quality of life.

Conditions

Peripheral Arterial Disease may present with the following conditions:

  • Claudication (Leg pain while walking)
  • Rest pain in the legs or feet
  • Foot ulcers
  • Non-healing wounds
  • Critical limb ischemia
  • Gangrenous toe changes
  • Poor circulation in the legs
  • Arterial blockages
Symptoms

Common symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease include:

  • Pain while walking or exercising
  • Leg fatigue or heaviness
  • Numbness in the legs
  • Cold feet or toes
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Skin discoloration
  • Rest pain in the feet
  • Gangrene in severe cases
Causes

Peripheral Arterial Disease commonly develops due to:

  • Atherosclerosis (arterial plaque buildup)
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Family history of vascular disease
Treatment

Advanced minimally invasive treatment options for PAD include:

  • Vascular assessment and imaging
  • Diagnostic angiography
  • Balloon angioplasty
  • Arterial stenting
  • Atherectomy procedures
  • Drug-coated balloon treatment
  • Endovascular interventions
  • Limb salvage procedures
Benefits of Treatment
  • Improved blood circulation
  • Relief from leg pain
  • Faster wound healing
  • Prevention of tissue damage
  • Reduced risk of amputation
  • Improved walking ability
  • Better quality of life
  • Faster recovery with minimally invasive care
Prevention

PAD risk can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices:

  • Quit smoking
  • Control diabetes
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet
  • Manage blood pressure
  • Schedule regular vascular checkups