Peripheral arterial disease, known as P.A.D., develops when arteries become clogged due to extra cholesterol and fat. PAD usually occurs in the lower limbs, such as the legs and feet, but can be seen in other areas of the body. This is a common, yet serious, disease that can be treated by the staff at the Center for Vascular Medicine.
Most people who have P.A.D. have at least one risk factor associated with the disease. The risk of developing P.A.D. increases as you age, and those over the age of 50 are at higher risk. Any amount of smoking also puts you at four times greater risk, even if you only have one cigarette a day. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are other risk factors connected with developing P.A.D.
Those who have P.A.D. may or may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. When symptoms are present, claudication is very common. Claudication causes pain and tiredness in the legs, especially during exercise. Some patients who have P.A.D. overlook leg pain due to aging. An easily seen symptom includes changes in color of the skin on the feet. P.A.D. may cause blueness or paleness in the feet, however this is not seen in everyone who has P.A.D.
Although symptoms are not always seen, if you have any of the risk factors or signs of P.A.D., please take out P.A.D. Self-Assessment to know if you should seek a diagnosis from a specialist at Heart Vascular and Leg . Upon the completion of our assessment and you find yourself at risk, our nationally renowned staff will complete a physical exam and consultation to diagnosis potential PAD. If treatment is necessary, our multiple offices offer treatments that quickly and effectively cure P.A.D.
It is important to treat P.A.D. Just liked clogged arteries in the heart that can cause a heart attack or stroke, clogged arteries in the legs and feet can also do the same. If P.A.D. is left untreated, it may result in loss of mobility and limb loss. Since symptoms are not always present, it is essential to complete our P.A.D. self-assessment and contact Vascular Health for a complete diagnosis.
