WHEN BLOOD VESSELS
feeding the heart get
narrow or clogged, doctors call it coronary artery disease
(CAD). When the same thing happens to blood vessels away
from the heart, it’s called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
It’s also known as peripheral vascular disease.
PAD and CAD are both caused by atherosclerosis, in
which fat, cholesterol and other substances slowly build up
inside arteries. That makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood
to feed the body’s tissues.
Both conditions pose similar dangers: increased risk of
heart attack and stroke.
“Since PAD usually occurs in the lower body, it generally
affects legs and feet and causes limitations in lifestyle,” says
Ravishankar Kalaga, MD, FACC, FSCAI, interventional cardi-
ologist with Faith Regional CardioVascular Institute.
“For example, leg muscles and other tissues starved for
blood can become painful, particularly during exertion.
That can turn everyday things like walking around the
block or climbing stairs into painful chores.”
PAD-slowed circulation can also make infections more
likely and harder to heal. In the worst cases, PAD can cause
gangrene, leading to amputations.
Besides leg pain, other common signs and symptoms of
PAD include:
•
Numbness, weakness or a heavy feeling in the legs.
•
Burning, aching feet while resting.
•
Skin color changes or hair loss on the legs or feet.
•
Foot sores that don’t heal or heal slowly.
Often, though, people with PAD have no signs or
symptoms.
Is it PAD?
To see if you have PAD, your doctor will ask about your
medical history, discuss any symptoms and do an exam.
He or she may take your pulse at your legs and feet and
compare blood pressure readings from your arms to read-
ings from your ankles—known as an ankle-brachial index
test.
If these results point to PAD, your doctor may do tests to
find a blockage. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or
computed tomography scans are often used.
Ways to feel better
If you have PAD, treatment usually involves changing some
daily habits and taking medicine.
Changes may include recommendations to:
We’re here
to help
Faith Regional CardioVascular Institute offers comprehensive
cardiovascular care. From treatment of PAD to heart surgery
to rehabilitation, we are dedicated to helping you improve
your quality of life while keeping you close to home. Our
team of experienced doctors and professional staff will
work closely with you, providing treatment, education and
support every step of the way. Visit
and
click on “Heart & Vascular” under “Our Services” or call
402-844-8284
to learn more about our services.
Achy legs
may signal
ar tery disease
•
Stop smoking, if you smoke. Smokers are more likely to
have pain with PAD. If you have trouble quitting, talk
with your doctor.
•
Manage blood pressure, cholesterol and—if you have
diabetes—blood glucose levels. Your doctor may suggest
medications to help.
•
Eat a healthy diet and exercise. Both help keep blood ves-
sels healthy.
Your doctor may also suggest medications to reduce pain
while walking and to lower your risk for blood clots.
“If these measures aren’t enough, surgery or a procedure
called angioplasty to open or bypass narrowed or blocked
blood vessels may be needed,” Dr. Kalaga says.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6 FAITH REGIONAL
HEALTH SERVICES
