Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive condition that occurs when the
arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, resulting in reduced
blood flow. PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on the inner walls of
the arteries, which can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels. Over time, the
affected arteries become hardened and lose their elasticity, further reducing blood flow to the
affected areas. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to):
- Painful cramping in hips, thighs, or calf muscles
- Leg weakness or numbness
- Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
- Coldness in lower leg or foot, especially in contrast with other leg
- Color change in your legs
- Shiny skin on your legs
- No pulse or a faint pulse in your legs or feet
Diagnosing PAD
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can have serious consequences, including the risk of losing
toes or even a foot. Therefore, it's important to be aware of symptoms and seek medical
attention if they occur. Diagnosis of PAD begins with a medical history and physical
examination, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the
legs to that in the arms. If the ABI is abnormal, further testing may be needed, such as
arterial duplex ultrasound, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance
angiography (MRA), or angiogram. An angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure that involves
imaging of an artery with a small amount of contrast dye and/or carbon dioxide, which can be
both diagnostic and therapeutic. Vascular interventional radiologists can use angiogram imaging
to assess potential obstructions and perform treatments such as angioplasty, atherectomy, and/or
stent placement. Seeking prompt medical attention and following a personalized treatment plan
can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes for those with PAD.