Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

PAD is a severe medical condition common in the US. Although many people have the disease, few pay attention to the symptoms until it has progressed. Knowing what symptoms to look for is the best way to protect your health from a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. At Zenith Vascular & Fibroid Center in Memphis, TN, we specialize in the detection and treatment of PAD.

What Causes PAD?

Arteries are the hollow circular tubes that transport blood throughout the body. In a healthy state, arteries are smooth, stretchy and very effective in moving blood. PAD is caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the arteries.

When fat builds up, it prevents blood from moving as fluidly, thus resulting in inadequate circulation. Other matter in the blood may stick to the built-up fat to create injury or an inflammatory response. Arterial fat accumulation, combined with any of the attached matter, is called plaque.

Plaque in the arteries comes in different sizes but is mostly encased in a hard outer shell. If this shell breaks to expose vulnerable tissue inside, blood platelets rush to the area to form a blood clot. This clotting constricts blood flow and narrows the artery further, which generally results in noticeable symptoms.

Arteries can become permanently damaged or die altogether when obstructed by plaque or a blood clot. Arterial death or gangrene occurs most frequently in the feet and toes and can make amputation necessary.

Why Is Treating Peripheral Arterial Disease Important?

Untreated PAD can also lead to permanent tissue death that may require amputating the affected limb. There isn’t a cure for PAD, but treatment is crucial for maintaining health. PAD means that your blood vessels aren’t working as they should. Everything in the body is connected, and the blood vessels play a critical role in protecting your health. Without treatment, this condition can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases such as:

• Coronary heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Sometimes PAD doesn’t present any symptoms, which can make detecting the condition difficult. When symptoms are present, it’s essential to seek medical help promptly to mitigate damage to the arteries and your overall health.

PAD pain (claudication) is often the first thing an individual may notice. Still, many people explain the discomfort of cramping away, thinking it’s a result of physical activity. Often symptoms aren’t present until the condition has advanced. Please contact us if you experience any of the following symptoms.

How Is PAD Detected?

We use several tests to diagnose PAD. If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms or have any of the risk factors for the disease, please contact us for testing. During your visit, we may use a combination of the following diagnostic methods to look for the presence of arterial plaque build-up:

Physical Exam

During your physical exam, we’ll look for all the most prevalent signs of PAD. We’ll check for a weak or absent pulse, impaired wound healing, reduced blood pressure, and whooshing sounds over the arteries.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

An ABI is one of the most common tests used to diagnose PAD. We compare the blood pressure in different limbs to get a reading. This test uses a traditional blood pressure cuff with an ultrasound tool to evaluate blood flow. Often this test is performed while the patient moves for the most accurate results.

Ultrasound

We may use ultrasound imaging technology to view your arteries and blood flow. This non-invasive technique allows us to deliver a picture of the inside of your body without surgery.

Angiography

An angiography uses a contrasting dye to highlight blood vessels for inspection with imaging techniques like an x-ray or ultrasound. Angiography is a highly effective method for assessing blood flow and identifying plaque build-up.

Blood Tests

We may test your blood to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides or to check for diabetes.