Peripheral Artery Disease Specialist
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Humble Vascular Surgical Center
Interventional Nephrologist & Interventional Vascular Specialist located in Humble, TX
Plaque buildup can affect any of the blood vessels in your body, including your peripheral arteries, a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Unfortunately, PAD often goes undiagnosed, but it’s a very treatable condition. The skilled and compassionate team at Humble Vascular Surgical Center in Humble, Texas, specializes in vascular issues and can diagnose and treat PAD to improve your health. To request an evaluation, call the office or book online today.
Peripheral Artery Disease Q&A
What is peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease, alternatively known as PAD, is a vascular condition that causes the narrowing of your peripheral blood vessels, which are the blood vessels in your extremities. In many cases, PAD may be a sign of widespread fatty accumulation in your blood vessels, also known as atherosclerosis.
While PAD can develop in any of your peripheral arteries, it most often affects the vessels in your legs. You may have an increased risk of developing PAD if you’re obese, a smoker, or have diabetes or high cholesterol.
What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?
PAD doesn’t always cause symptoms. In some instances, PAD symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed. However, claudication, or leg pain that you experience when you walk, is the most common symptom of PAD.
Other symptoms may include:
- Numbness or weakness in your leg
- Muscle cramping
- Shiny skin or slow-growing leg hair
- Change in leg color or temperature
- Lack of pulse in your extremities
Many men with PAD may also experience erectile dysfunction.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Humble Vascular Surgical Center for an evaluation to determine if PAD is the underlying cause.
How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?
Your experienced specialist at Humble Vascular Surgical Center conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if you have PAD. Your evaluation may include a physical exam, a review of your symptoms, and requisite blood and diagnostic tests.
Your provider may also conduct an ankle-brachial index, which compares the blood pressure measurement from your leg with the measurement from your arm.
An angiogram, which is an imaging test that involves the injection of a special contrast dye into your blood vessel, may also be recommended to assess blood flow to your extremities.
How is peripheral artery disease treated?
Treatment for your PAD is individualized based on your symptoms and the underlying cause of the fatty buildup. Your Humble Vascular Surgical Center specialist may recommend disease-specific medication, such as cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure medication, to improve blood flow.
Your nephrologist may recommend more invasive treatments such as:
- Angioplasty: insertion of a balloon in your blood vessel
- Atherectomy: removes plaque from your blood vessels
- Stent: insertion of a mesh that supports blood vessel walls and blood flow
Your specialist also recommends lifestyle changes, including a diet and exercise program, to keep your blood vessels healthy after treatment.
Peripheral artery disease is easily diagnosed and treated. For expert care for your blood vessels, call Humble Vascular Surgical Center today or request an appointment online.