Peripheral artery disease is a condition that affects both men and women. It can be painful and may result in some serious complications such as amputation. The vascular specialist offers innovative treatments to prevent the complications of peripheral artery disease in Frisco. The specialist can reduce the disease’s risk factors because they understand the impact it can have on your daily life.
What is peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease is a condition that results in a decrease in blood circulation due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) restricts blood flow to your feet, legs, and toes and can also affect any other artery in your body. Decreased blood circulation may lead to leg pain with exertion or rest. Cramping, feeling cold, heaviness, weakness in the legs, numbness, wounds that take long to heal, aching pain, dry and discolored skin are symptoms you might experience.
What are the risk factors of PAD?
Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol level, tobacco use, high blood pressure, and is above 50 years of age are some of the risk factors for peripheral artery disease. The condition can result in leg and foot sores. In case the sores are left untreated, they may not heal properly hence becoming infected, which may worsen and lead to critical limb ischemia or amputation. Peripheral artery disease is also associated with an increased risk of restricted blood flow to the heart and may lead to heart attacks and angina.
What treatment options are available for peripheral artery disease?
Customized treatment plans used in treating PAD include supervised walking therapy, medications, and some minimally invasive procedures to open blocked arteries when necessary are used. Lifestyle changes like exercises and dietary modification are also incorporated into the treatment plan.
Before applying any treatment option, the doctor begins by assessing your condition based on your family and medical history, symptoms, and other factors. The specialist also evaluates your lifestyle, including exercises and diet, and utilizes other treatment options when the need arises. The management and prevention of peripheral artery disease involve living a healthy lifestyle with a nutrient-dense diet, stress-relief, and regular exercises.
Additionally, minimally invasive treatments can also be used in restoring blood flow to your feet and legs hence preventing any chances of leg or foot amputation. Most of the time when minimally invasive procedures are performed, you can go home on the same day. Some minimally invasive treatment methods available include:
Balloon angioplasty- involves placing a small tube in your blood vessel to help flatten the blockage and increase blood flow.
Atherectomy- it is a procedure carried out to remove any plaque from the blood vessel.
Stent- it is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a metal scaffold to keep the artery open.
You do not have to stay long before seeking medical advice after experiencing some peripheral vascular disease symptoms because it may lead to some complications such as amputation. Suppose you experience those symptoms, contact or call prime heart and vascular offices to book your appointment today. Various treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures like balloon angioplasty, will be offered to you to prevent any complications of peripheral vascular disease.
