Peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke if left untreated. With the help of cardiologists Prasad Maddukuri, MD, FACC, MRCP, and Larry Moore, MD, FACC, at Sunnyvale Cardiology, in Sunnyvale, Texas, you can get the treatment necessary to avoid severe or life-threatening complications associated with PAD. Call Sunnyvale Cardiology to schedule an appointment today or book one online.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is also known as peripheral vascular disease and atherosclerosis. It’s the hardening of arteries that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from your heart to other areas of your body.
Hardening occurs when fatty deposits build up within the artery walls. This hardening associated with PAD often occurs in vessels that carry blood to your legs and arms, and reduces blood flow to these areas.
If left untreated, peripheral artery disease can lead to critical limb ischemia, a stroke, or a heart attack. Critical limb ischemia is a condition that begins as open sores and can lead to infections and tissue death requiring amputation.
You might experience one or more symptoms if you have peripheral artery disease. Examples include:
If you experience symptoms of PAD, schedule an appointment with Sunnyvale Cardiology for an assessment as soon as possible.
Numerous factors increase your risk of developing PAD. Examples include:
Ways to lower your risk of PAD include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
Your provider reviews your medical history, completes a physical exam, and might recommend blood pressure, imaging, or blood tests to diagnose peripheral artery disease. Common treatments for PAD include:
During bypass surgery, your surgeon creates a graft bypass with a vessel from another area of your body or a synthetic blood vessel, so blood can flow around a blocked or narrowed artery.
Early detection and treatment of peripheral artery disease is crucial for preventing a stroke, heart attack, or other serious heart complication. Schedule an appointment with Sunnyvale Cardiology by phone or online today.