TN Vascular and Thoracic Surgical Associates, PC
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common problem affecting more than 18 million Americans. It is caused by plaque that builds up in the artery wall.
It is also called atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries".
70% of PAD patients who go untreated will die within 15 years.
Are you at risk for PAD?
Do you smoke or did you smoke?
Have you been diagnosed with any of the following: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure or Chronic Kidney Disease?
Do your legs feel tired, heavy or have cramping?
Do you have wounds or sores on your feet that are healing poorly?
Do you experience leg or foot pain that interrupts sleep?
Do you have one foot that feels colder than the other?
The more of these questions you answered YES to, the greater your risk for PAD.
Options for treating PAD:
* Angioplasty - a minimally invasive procedure that involves a balloon being placed in the area with a blockage and being inflated to restore blood flow.
* Stent and Balloon Angioplasty- a small tube placed in the artery to keep it open.
* Atherectomy - a minimally invasive procedure using a medical device to clear the blockage.
* Bypass Surgery - surgical procedure that uses blood vessel or synthetic vessel to bypass the blockage.
Treatment Options
Risks
Risk Factors for PAD
Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Age
Family history
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Chronic kidney disease
