WHAT IS PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE?
Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory health issue. This condition creates narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow. The arteries in limbs are affected, mainly the legs, and they do not receive a high enough supply of blood. Peripheral artery disease is also called PAD and peripheral arterial disease.
Arteries narrow by a build-up of plaque inside the vein walls. This build-up consists of fat deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials. Plaque deposits that obstruct veins are also known as the condition called atherosclerosis. When veins are blocked and clogged, it can cause pain, skin color changes, sores, and ulcers. With total blockage, the loss of limbs is a possibility.
Peripheral artery disease can be easy to diagnose if symptoms aren’t confused with something else. This screening is non-invasive and quick. Blood pressure cuffs around the ankles and arms will measure blood pressure. Using an ultrasound device, a vascular surgeon measures the systolic blood pressure of these limbs.
The results of these two numbers combined will tell the surgeon where you stand on the ankle-brachial index (ABI). An aBI off 1.0 to 1.3 is considered normal. An index score that is higher or lower can indicate the risk of having or developing PAD.
WHAT CAUSES PAD?
Peripheral artery disease affects about 8.5 million people in the United States. Many of these people never experience symptoms. Risk factors include:
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- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Advanced age
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Family history of vascular disease
It is possible to manage symptoms naturally with a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure. In some cases medical interventions may be needed to treat PAD.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
PAD AWARENESS MONTH
September is the month the vascular care community spread the word about PAD Awareness Month. The goal is to increase awareness about the disease and to improve access to screenings and treatments. By raising awareness, we can improve quality of life, reduce care costs, and prevent limb amputations.
We provide Peripheral arterial disease screenings and treatments in each one of our Vein Centre offices in middle Tennessee near Nashville. These vein disease screenings are minimally invasive and can help determine if you have PAD or another vascular health issue.
For a vein health physical exam in Franklin, come find us in the Aspen Grove Medical Center off of Cool Springs Boulevard and Mack Hatcher Parkway. If you live in Belle Meade, find us across the street from the Kroger on Harding Pike. And finally, if you live near Mt. Juliet, find us in the Tristar Summit Medical Plaza off of Mt Juliet Road.
Give us a call today to book your consultation. We look forward to giving you the vein relief you need.