Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is common, but many providers fail to diagnose or treat it. Nchang Taka, MD, and the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, provide preventive, medical, and interventional care for those at risk for or with PAD. The highly skilled team uses cutting-edge tools to diagnose and treat PAD. To learn more about PAD, call or schedule a consultation at the cardiology practice online today.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular condition that occurs when you have narrowing or blockages in the peripheral arteries. The buildup of plaque (cholesterol, minerals, and other substances) along the blood vessel wall causes the narrowing or blockages, limiting the flow of blood.

Though the narrowing may occur in any peripheral artery, it most often affects the arteries in the legs.

PAD is a common cardiovascular disease that many health care providers overlook. Having PAD increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. 

Who is at risk of developing peripheral artery disease?

Current smokers and people who used to smoke are at greatest risk for developing PAD. Other risk factors for PAD include:

• History of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Family history of heart or blood vessel disease
• Over age 50
• African American descent

You’re also more likely to have PAD if you have coronary artery disease (CAD), which is narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries in the heart. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

You can have PAD and not know it because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. Leg pain when walking or climbing stairs that goes away when you stop is the most common symptom of PAD. This type of leg pain is called claudication.

Your legs may also feel heavy or achy or tire easily. 

What happens during a peripheral artery disease evaluation?

The team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about PAD. They review your medical and family histories, ask about symptoms, and perform a physical exam.

They may also perform tests to confirm or rule out PAD, such as:

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

ABI compares the blood pressure in your leg to the blood pressure in your arm. A difference in readings may indicate circulation problems.

Pulse volume recordings (PVR)

PVR measures blood pressure and blood flow through the arteries in the legs. 

Vascular ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is an imaging test that evaluates your blood vessels and the movement of blood, looking for areas of narrowing or blockages.

After your evaluation, the team discusses their findings with you and creates your personalized treatment plan, which may include lifestyle modifications, disease-specific medications, or interventional cardiology procedures to improve circulation in the peripheral arteries.

Find out more about PAD by calling Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic or scheduling an appointment online today.