What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common, but serious, vascular complication in people with diabetes and often goes undetected and should be screened for with vascular testing more frequently. PAD occurs when blood vessels in the legs are narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, decreasing blood flow to the feet and legs. Individuals with PAD face a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and death.
One in three people with diabetes over the age of 50 is estimated to have this condition. If undetected, PAD can lead to amputations of the lower limbs and increase a person’s risk for having a heart attack or stroke within five years, resulting in death for about one-third of those patients. Early detection of PAD can offer an opportunity to treat risk factors that can slow the progression of the disease and decrease the chance of heart attack and stroke.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Advanced age
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood cholesterol
- Obesity
- High blood pressure, Hypertension
Our doctors can perform a diagnostic non-invasive ankle-brachial index (ABI) test to determine if you are at risk or have PAD. The ABI index compares ankle blood pressure against arm blood pressure. Early detection of PAD can offer an opportunity to treat risk factors that can slow the progression of the disease and decrease the chance of heart attack and stroke. Many individuals with PAD do not experience typical leg symptoms such as cramping, pain, or fatigue known as claudication.
Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Fatigue, tiredness, or pain in your legs, thighs, or buttocks that always happens when you walk but goes away when you rest.
- Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs your sleep
- Skin wounds or ulcers on your feet or toes that are slow to heal (or that do not heal for 8 to 12 weeks)
- Do not ignore leg pain. It is important to discuss any leg or thigh pain that you are having with our doctors since it could be a warning sign of a serious disease such as PAD.
Vascular Testing and Treatment Options in Katy TX
Our doctors use the Vasamed Sensilase PAD-IQ technology to provide non-invasive on-site arterial testing which provides reliable data to allow for the early detection and treatment of PAD, when leg pain is indicated. The diagnosis of PAD is based on a quantitative evaluation of microcirculatory perfusion in the skin.
© 2014 American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc. and Your Total Foot Care Specialist, PA. All rights reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions on Vascular Testing and PAD
What is vascular testing?
Vascular Testing evaluates blood flow in the legs and feet to detect circulation issues.
What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
Why is early detection important?
Early diagnosis helps prevent serious complications such as Foot Ulcer or amputation.
Who should get vascular testing?
Patients with Diabetes, leg pain, or poor circulation should consider testing.
