PAD: Know Your Risks
Peripheral Artery Disease and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Does the pain in your legs go away with rest? It could be a sign of peripheral artery disease. Our experts help treat both the symptoms and the cause.
Peripheral Artery Disease is a common disease where arteries in the legs and arms become blocked. Symptoms include pain in the legs when walking, which goes away when you are at rest. Men over the age of 50 who have a smoking or diabetes history are at highest risk for the disease.
There are many ways to prevent cardiovascular disease, including regular exercise and a healthy diet. When these are not enough, Jefferson Radiology’s interventional radiology experts can help. Have questions? Call Jefferson Radiology’s interventional radiology experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peripheral Artery Disease Treatments?
When diet, exercise and a healthy diet are not enough, Jefferson Radiology’s interventional radiologists can help. A combination of medical expertise, minimally invasive procedures and state-of-the art technology ensure you get back on your feet quickly.
What are Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common condition and is found in 75% of all Americans. The prevalence increases with age.
Symptoms may include:
- Painful cramping in one or both of your hips, thighs, or calf muscles after certain activities such as walking or climbing stairs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
- Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won’t heal
- A change in the color of your legs
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
- Slower growth of your toenails
- No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs and feet
- Erectile dysfunction in men
How is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed & Treated?
If you suspect you may have peripheral artery disease, talk to your doctor. A ankle-brachial index (ABI) is typically the first step in diagnosing the disease. The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test which measures the ratio of blood pressure in the and to the blood pressure in your upper arm.
If blood pressure readings in the ankle are lower, a blockage in the arteries can often be the cause. If the results of your ABI come back abnormal, the typical next step is imaging through an ultrasound. If an interventional procedure is required, Jefferson Radiology’s interventional radiologists treat the disease through either stenting in the legs or an angioplastry.
These procedures are minimally invasive and do not involve surgery.
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the largest blood vessel in the body. As the blood vessel enlarges it is prone to rupture. Jefferson Radiology’s Interventional Radiologists (IR Doctors) have treated more abdominal aortic aneurysms than any other doctors in the Northeast United States. Treatment of these aneurysms was developed by IR doctors, called EVAR or, endovascular aneurysm repair. This treatment involves placing a small catheter inside the aneurysm then replacing the lining of the aneurysm with a graft material. The procedure is less invasive and offers a faster recovery with lower complications than open surgery.
