
peripheral artery disease
Plaque buildup in the pelvis and leg arteries that narrow the vessels, making it harder for blood flow to those areas.
This process is the same as heart disease, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
PAD Education
Symptoms
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Intermittent cramps in your hips, thighs, or calves with exertion and relieved by rest
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Foot wounds that won't heal
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Decreased temperature of lower extremities
Risk Factors
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High Blood Pressure
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High Cholesterol
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Age (the older you are, the higher the risk)
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Obesity
Treatment Options
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Treating risk factors to lower risk for heart attack and stroke
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Supervised Walking Program
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Medications: Cilostazol (Pletal) which increases walking distance by 40%
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Angioplasty - a balloon is inflated inside of the artery to unblock it. A stent may also be used to hold the artery open
Angiography
X-Ray imaging of blood vessels using a contrast injection

Non-Invasive Vascular
Ultrasound and pressure/ pulse volume recordings take pictures of flow
Stenting
A wire-mesh tube (Stent) props open the artery and is left there permanently