Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause pain in your legs and hips, and keep you from enjoying the activities you love. When left untreated, it can lead to health concerns such as loss of a limb. Specialists at Ascension St. John in Tulsa and Bartlesville, Oklahoma, have the expertise to diagnose and treat PAD. Your care team may include cardiologists, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons and more.
If you are at risk for PAD or have been diagnosed, talk with one of our specialists. Every appointment starts with a conversation about how you are feeling, any new symptoms or concerns. Your care team will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get the care that’s right for you.
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Understanding your peripheral artery disease
PAD is caused by plaque buildup in your arteries. It can happen in any part of your body, but it is most common in your legs. The buildup can lead to blockages, and decrease blood flow to your organs. There are many risk factors for PAD, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history of peripheral artery disease, heart disease or stroke
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
Many people with PAD experience cramping or pain in their legs, hips or buttocks. Other symptoms may include:
- Hair loss in the extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Numb toes
- Pain while walking
- Shiny skin
- Painful sores that won’t heal
If you are at risk or are experiencing symptoms, talk with your doctor about diagnostic imaging for PAD.
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Diagnosing peripheral artery disease
Getting the care you need starts with understanding your health. Specialists at Ascension St. John use a variety of diagnostic tests to diagnose PAD. Your doctor may recommend ankle/arm blood pressure testing, ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or invasive angiography. These tests help you and your doctor better understand the health of your arteries.
Advanced treatment options, close to home
Your health is our priority. We work with you to create a personalized care plan. Your treatment plan may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to slow the progression of PAD and help relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes may include stopping the use of tobacco products, exercise and having a healthier diet.
- Medication: Medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar, prevent blood clots, or to help relieve symptoms.
- Surgery or angioplasty: In some cases, surgery or less invasive catheter based therapies may be needed to treat PAD. Angioplasty, a procedure where a balloon or stent is inserted through a catheter to help keep your artery open, may be recommended if plaque buildup is blocking blood flow. Bypass surgery may also be used to create a path for blood flow around the blocked artery.
Our goal is to restore blood flow and improve your quality of life. Talk with a specialist about what treatment option is right for you.
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If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
