Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious, yet often underestimated, cardiovascular condition affecting over 8.5 million Americans. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your limbs, usually the legs, become narrowed or blocked, most often due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). AZ Cardiology specializes in advanced PAD treatment, focusing on accurate diagnosis, symptom relief, and crucial limb salvage to maintain your mobility and quality of life.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

PAD is a chronic condition where limited blood flow prevents sufficient oxygen and nutrients from reaching the muscles and tissues in your extremities. This reduced circulation can lead to pain, sores that don't heal, and in severe cases, critical limb ischemia requiring amputation. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures we address the root cause of your circulation problems.

Understanding Claudication: The Hallmark Symptom of PAD

The most common symptom of PAD is claudication, which is pain, cramping, or aching in the leg muscles that occurs during exercise or walking and typically subsides with rest. The location of the pain often indicates where the artery is narrowed. If you experience persistent leg pain or discomfort while walking, an immediate evaluation for PAD, including claudication, is essential.

Other key symptoms of PAD include:

• Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the feet and lower legs.
• Slow hair growth on the legs and feet.
• Wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal, particularly on the feet.
• A weakened pulse in the legs or feet.

Risk Factors and Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early diagnosis is critical because PAD is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The primary cause is atherosclerosis. Key risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity and diet high in saturated fat
• Family history and age

Advanced Diagnostic Tools for PAD

To accurately diagnose the presence and severity of PAD, we use several non-invasive tests:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test: A simple comparison of blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm. This is a primary screening tool for PAD.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Used to visualize the flow of blood through the arteries and pinpoint areas of blockage or narrowing.
• Angiogram: A detailed imaging test using dye to show blockages in the vessels, which guides intervention planning.
• Stress Test: Monitoring the heart and circulation during exercise to assess how restricted blood flow impacts limb function.

Comprehensive PAD Management and Limb Salvage

Our treatment philosophy focuses on stopping the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms like claudication. For complex cases, our team provides expertise in endovascular and surgical management:

• Medical and Lifestyle Management: Medications to control cholesterol and blood pressure, along with supervised exercise programs to improve walking ability and reduce claudication.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Utilizing techniques like angioplasty and stent placement to physically widen the narrowed arteries and restore healthy blood flow.
• Limb Salvage: Specialized procedures and ongoing wound care dedicated to saving the limb from amputation in patients with critical limb ischemia.

Stop the Progression of PAD

If you suffer from leg pain, cramping, or suspect you have claudication, don't wait. Contact AZ Cardiology to schedule your comprehensive PAD evaluation and start on a path to better vascular health.