5 Things You Need to Know About Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

The CDC estimates there are about 6.5 million adults who’ve already been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, or PAD. This doesn’t take into account the unknown cases and misdiagnoses, which could make that number quite a bit higher.   

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed routinely screens patients for peripheral artery disease. If you have PAD or are at high risk for developing it, he creates a customized treatment plan and works with you to keep your PAD from developing or progressing.  

5 things to know about PAD

If you or a loved one is at risk for peripheral artery disease, you’ll want to know everything you can about this health condition. Here are five important facts about PAD.

1. PAD is a cardiovascular condition

Peripheral artery disease affects the arteries that push blood to your extremities. When those arteries become narrowed on the inside due to plaque build-up, pressure increases inside the artery, and blood flow slows. 

2. PAD increases your risk of amputation

Due to slowed blood flow caused by PAD, you can end up with wounds that don’t want to heal on your lower extremities, particularly your calves, ankles, and feet, where pressure is highest. If these wounds persist, your likelihood of needing an amputation due to gangrene goes up significantly.

3. PAD increases your risk of stroke or heart attack

In most cases, PAD is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. If you have atherosclerosis, you’re at higher risk for heart attack or stroke, as your body has more trouble pushing blood to tissues in the extremities, effectively starving them of nutrients.

4. Several factors can indicate if you’re high-risk for PAD

There are multiple factors that can increase your risk of developing PAD. The first is family history. If you have a first-degree relative with PAD, you need regular screenings. If you already have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, are obese, and/or are over the age of 65, you’re also at heightened risk for PAD.

5. PAD does have a few early warning signs

Since arteries in the legs and feet can’t deliver enough blood to the extremities, most symptoms of PAD start there. Watch for potential PAD symptoms like:

• Leg cramps that come and go and slowly increase in frequency and intensity
• Patches of shiny or discolored skin around your lower calves and ankles
• Constant feelings of coldness or numbness in your lower legs and feet
• Extremely slow hair growth on your calves
• Wounds on your lower extremities that refuse to heal 

PAD typically does a lot of damage to your arteries before symptoms become severe, so it’s critical to be vigilant and see a specialist as soon as you’re aware there could be an issue.

Bonus tip: PAD is treatable 

Dr. Ahmed screens for PAD using a Doppler ultrasound, an angiography, or both. We check to see if the pulse in your leg is strong, if blood is moving briskly or sluggishly, and if your arteries are narrowed. You’ll have options if you do show signs of PAD. 

Some people can change their lifestyle (stopping smoking is #1) and take medication to help expand narrowed arteries. If you have advanced PAD, we can perform minor surgery to open the arteries and increase normal blood flow.  

Do you need a PAD screening? If so, call Apex Endovascular at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.