Quick answer
Peripheral artery disease is narrowing or blockage in the arteries that carry blood out to your legs and feet. Plaque causes more than 90 percent of it. The classic sign is leg pain that comes on when you walk. You might also get numbness, tingling, coolness, color changes in your toes, hair loss or sores that will not heal. Left alone, PAD can cost you a limb.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the obstruction or narrowing of the aorta & major arteries that causes an interruption of blood flow to the brain and extremities, most commonly the legs and feet. When narrowing occurs in the heart, it is called coronary artery disease, while, in the brain, it is called cerebrovascular disease. Untreated Peripheral Arterial Disease can result in critical limb ischemia (CLI) and lead to tissue damage and/or loss of limb.
A Peripheral Arterial Disease specialist is a medical doctor who is specially trained to diagnose, treat, and manage Peripheral Arterial Disease using advanced techniques to restore circulation and prevent complications.
Who Is a Peripheral Artery Disease Specialist?
A Peripheral Arterial Disease specialist, also sometimes referred to as a vascular specialist, is a doctor with extensive training in cardiovascular and circulatory system diseases. They are usually vascular surgeons, cardiologists, or radiologists.
These professionals have dedicated their careers to understanding and managing conditions related to blood vessels.
What Are Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can present in two forms: acute or chronic. Acute Peripheral Arterial Disease occurs suddenly and requires immediate medical intervention to restore blood flow to the affected limb and prevent tissue damage or limb loss. Chronic Peripheral Arterial Disease, on the other hand, develops over time and may range in severity from mild to severe.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Intermittent pain with exercise (chronic Peripheral Arterial Disease)
- Abnormal sensation
- Pain at rest
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Color changes of fingers, toes, feet, etc.
- Coolness to the touch of the limb
- Hardness of the limb
- Diminished or absent pulses
- Hair loss, thick nails
- Necrotic ulcers
- Paralysis
What Are Peripheral Arterial Disease Risk Factors?
Risk factors include smoking, aging, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and a family history of vascular disorders: myocardial infarction (heart attack) and/or stroke. Men suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease more often and at a younger age than women.
10 Evidence-Based Facts About Peripheral Arterial Disease
Here are some facts about Peripheral Arterial Disease taken from the National Center for Biotechnology Information:
- The risk of Peripheral Arterial Disease increases substantially with age;
- >50% of Peripheral Arterial Disease patients are asymptomatic;
- The presence of Peripheral Arterial Disease is associated with a 2-fold increase in the prevalence of heart failure;
- 20–30% of individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease have diabetes mellitus;
- Diabetic patients have 2–4 times the risk of developing Peripheral Arterial Disease, CAD, and ischemic stroke;
- Smokers have 2.5 times the risk of developing Peripheral Arterial Disease;
- Atherosclerosis accounts for more than 90% of cases of Peripheral Arterial Disease;
- Compared to Caucasians, the likelihood of Peripheral Arterial Disease is 55% lower among Chinese and 50% greater among African Americans;
- The femoral and popliteal arteries are affected in 80–90% of symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease patients;
- The prevalence of amputation in Peripheral Arterial Disease patients is 3–4%.
What Procedures Are Used to Treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) procedures are minimally invasive treatments used to restore proper blood flow to arteries that have become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. The goal of Peripheral Arterial Disease procedures is to relieve these symptoms, prevent further complications, and improve a patient’s mobility and quality of life. When treated early, Peripheral Arterial Disease procedures can be highly effective in preventing limb loss and helping patients return to their daily activities pain-free.
At CACVI, our experienced vascular specialists use advanced technology to perform personalized procedures based on the severity and location of the blockage. One common treatment is angioplasty, where a small balloon is guided through the artery and then inflated to widen the narrowed area. In many cases, a tiny mesh tube called a stent is also placed inside the artery to keep it open and maintain healthy blood flow. Another option is atherectomy, a procedure in which the plaque is physically removed from the artery using a specialized catheter.
In more severe cases where minimally invasive methods are not enough, bypass surgery may be recommended. This involves creating a new route for blood to flow around the blocked artery using a graft. Most Peripheral Arterial Disease procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day with minimal recovery time and a low risk of complications.
How Our Peripheral Arterial Disease Specialists Diagnose the Condition
At CACVI, our approach to diagnosing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is thorough, precise, and patient-focused. It begins with a thorough in-clinic physical exam, where our vascular specialists assess blood flow in the legs, check for weak or absent pulses, and look for signs such as skin discoloration, wounds that won’t heal, or temperature differences between limbs. These initial findings help guide further diagnostic steps.
We use advanced imaging tools, including Doppler ultrasound, to visualize blood flow in the arteries and detect any areas of narrowing or blockage. This non-invasive test allows us to evaluate the severity and location of arterial obstruction in real time. In some cases, we may also use additional vascular imaging techniques to gain a clearer picture of the arteries and circulation.
Alongside imaging, we consider your full medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure. Blood tests may also be ordered to assess cholesterol levels and other markers that could contribute to arterial disease.
What Other Peripheral Artery Disease Treatments Are Available?
At CACVI, treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) goes beyond procedures. We focus on a full-spectrum care approach that addresses the root cause, relieves symptoms, and supports long-term vascular health.
In many cases, treatment begins with lifestyle changes and medications. Patients are encouraged to quit smoking, adopt a heart-healthy diet, and begin a supervised exercise program to improve circulation. Medication may be prescribed to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, or to prevent blood clots and reduce leg pain.
When lifestyle changes and medication aren’t enough to restore proper blood flow, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement may be recommended. These techniques involve opening narrowed arteries with a balloon and, if needed, placing a small stent to keep the artery open. They are typically performed on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime.
For patients with advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease or severe blockages, surgical options like bypass grafting may be necessary. This procedure reroutes blood around the blocked artery using a healthy vessel from another part of the body or a synthetic graft, restoring circulation and helping to prevent serious complications such as limb loss.
After treatment, ongoing follow-up care is essential. Our team provides regular monitoring and long-term management to reduce the risk of recurrence, track progress, and ensure patients continue living an active and pain-free life. Peripheral Arterial Disease is a chronic condition, but with the right care plan, it can be effectively managed.
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