Peripheral Vascular Disease

Leg cramping, pain, or fatigue/weakness/tiredness in the leg or hip muscle while walking or climbing stairs are common signs of peripheral arterial disease. Peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease are similar and caused by atherosclerosis that narrows and blocks arteries in critical regions of the body. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries to the legs, stomach, arms, and head — most commonly in the arteries of the legs. 

The most common symptoms of PAD involving the lower extremities are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. Typically, this pain goes away with rest and returns when you walk again.

• Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else.
• PAD often goes undiagnosed by healthcare professionals.
• People with peripheral arterial disease have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke.
• Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.

Added risks for PAD

• If you smoke, you have an especially high risk for PAD.
• If you have diabetes, you have an especially high risk for PAD.
• People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at risk for PAD.
• Your risk increases with age.

Evaluation for PAD with non-invasive imaging using US and CT guided is accurate, simple, fast and pain free.

Therapy and treatment of peripheral vascular disease included supervised clinical exercise / rehabilitation. Opening of the blockages/narrowing of the arteries using various atherectomy, angioplasty and stenting techniques to optimize blood flow and reduce risk are available.