Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease, otherwise know as PAD, we can help develop a plan for your treatment which will both manage symptoms as well as help slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
Depending on the severity of your PAD, any or a combination of the following may be recommended.
Medication for PAD
You may be prescribed medication in order to help many of the symptoms that come with PAD. These symptoms for which you may be prescribed medication include, but are not limited to:
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Sugar or Diabetes
- Blood Clots
- Leg Pain or Claudication
It’s important to consult with a doctor before beginning any sort of treatment via medication, as they may not be necessary for very long periods of time.
Changes in Your Lifestyle
If your PAD is not causing claudication or any other serious issues, your doctor may suggest a series of lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your PAD symptoms over time. These changes may include:
Quit Smoking
As a direct cause to the constriction of your arteries, quitting smoking is often the first recommendation. Even if you do not currently have PAD, it is recommended to stop smoking in order to prevent PAD in the future.
Adopt a Better Diet
Eating foods that are high in saturated fats can lead to a plethora of health issues, including those that contribute to PAD such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. Creating and maintaining a heart healthy diet filled with vegetables and fruits can help prevent and treat PAD.
Take Small Strides Toward Exercise
Exercise can help your muscles use oxygen more efficiently, thus extending how far you may be able to walk without pain. In addition, exercise can help your blood flow, preventing further issues with cardiovascular disease and cholesterol.
Surgical PAD Procedures
If your PAD is not able to be remedied via medications or exercise, or has reached a specific level of severity, your doctor may recommend a traditional or minimally invasive surgical procedure.
Minimally Invasive PAD Surgeries
Angioplasty
Your surgeon will insert a small catheter into the artery that is blocked or is restricting blood flow. On the tip of the catheter, a balloon will be expanded, creating a wider channel that allows the blood to pass freely. This is a very common form of treatment for PAD.
Atherectomy
Similar to an angioplasty, the atherectomy begins with a catheter inserted into the blocked or restricted area. However, instead of using a balloon, this procedure uses a small blade to shave away the plaque that is blocking the artery and removes it from your body.