If you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), you may experience pain in your legs and hips that keeps you from enjoying the activities you love. When left untreated, PAD can lead to more severe health concerns like heart attack and stroke. Specialists at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Birmingham, Alabama, diagnose and treat PAD. Our team of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and vascular surgeons work together to deliver advanced care options to help treat your condition.
Every appointment starts with a conversation about how you are feeling, any new symptoms or concerns. Your care team takes the time to answer all your questions. By getting to know you and working together, we can create a care plan that’s right for you.
What is peripheral artery disease?
When plaque builds up in your arteries, your vessels can narrow, causing slow or blocked blood flow. PAD can affect anywhere in the body but is most common in the legs, hips or buttocks. Risk factors for PAD, include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history of peripheral artery disease, heart disease or stroke
- Smoking
- Obesity
Pain and cramping are not the only symptoms of PAD. You may also experience:
- Hair loss
- Muscle weakness
- Numb toes
- Pain while walking
- Shiny skin
- Sores that won't heal
If you are at risk or are experiencing symptoms, talk with your doctor about screenings for PAD.
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Diagnosing peripheral artery disease
Getting the care you need starts with understanding your health. Specialists at Ascension St. Vincent’s use advanced diagnostic tests to diagnose PAD. Your doctor may recommend:
Ankle brachial index (ABI)
Computed tomographic (CT) angiography
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
Ultrasound
Your cardiologists and vascular specialists are trained in the latest heart care testing, treatment and procedures. These tests help you and your doctor better understand the health of your arteries and how to treat PAD.
Advanced treatment options, close to home
After you are diagnosed, your heart care team works with you to create a personalized care plan that may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of PAD and relieve some symptoms. Your doctor may recommend exercise, a healthier diet and stopping the use of tobacco products.
- Medication: Medications may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, manage blood sugar, prevent blood clots, and help relieve symptoms.
- Minimally invasive laser ablation therapy: Your doctor may use laser ablation therapy to close damaged veins and reroute the blood flow to healthier veins for better circulation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat PAD. Angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended if plaque buildup is blocking blood flow. For angioplasty, a stent is inserted through a catheter to help keep your artery open. Your doctor may use bypass surgery to create a path for blood to flow around the blocked artery.
Our goal is to restore blood flow and improve your quality of life. Talk with a vascular specialist about what treatment option is right for you.
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Get a second opinion from a heart and vascular specialist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and cardiovascular care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension St. Vincent’s. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized heart care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced heart care, our cardiologists can also connect you with the right specialists for minimally invasive surgery, including ablation. Our heart and vascular specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national care team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
