Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) - also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is the narrowing or blockage of arteries as a result of plaque buildup. This significantly impacts blood flow to the legs and feet, and if untreated, can lead to severe pain of the lower extremities, non-healing ulcers, gangrene, critical limb ischemia and amputation.
The good news is that the majority of these complications can be prevented. At Mara, we specialize in limb salvage by opening blocked arteries and restoring the crucial blood flow to the limbs. These procedures are made more convenient by being performed by our specialist in an out-patient setting.
Read morePeripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) - also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is the narrowing or blockage of arteries as a result of plaque buildup. This significantly impacts blood flow to the legs and feet, and if untreated, can lead to severe pain of the lower extremities, non-healing ulcers, gangrene, critical limb ischemia and amputation.
What causes PAD?
Atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty material and plaque along artery walls, is the most common cause, and often results in decreased and/or loss of blood flow.
What are the risk factors for PAD?
- Diabetes
- Hypertension or High blood pressure
- Smoking (either currently or in the past)
- High Cholesterol
- Kidney Disease
- Obesity
- Age above 60 years
- Prior Heart Disease, Heart Attack or Stroke
- Peripheral Neuropathy
More than 8 million Americans are affected. African Americans have an increased risk of PAD. Hispanics might have an increased risk, as well.
What are the symptoms of PAD?
- Claudication – leg and foot pain while walking that improves with rest
- Leg and/or foot pain while at rest
- Slow or non-healing wounds or ulcers on the foot or leg
- One foot feeling colder than the other
- Kidney disease
- Discoloration of the foot
- Slower growth of hair or nails on feet and legs
- Reduced pulses in the legs or feet
- Erectile dysfunction in men can sometimes be due to PAD
How is PAD diagnosed?
Non-invasive testing, such as Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and duplex ultrasound may be performed to assess the blood flow to the legs. In some patients, further testing, such as a CT or MRI scan may be required.
How is PAD treated?
For patients with milder symptoms, lifestyle changes and medical management may be sufficient. In patients with more advanced problems, such as, experiencing pain while resting, non-healing ulcers, gangrene or critical limb ischemia, angiogram with angioplasty and/ or stent placement may be necessary.
Peripheral Angiogram, Angioplasty and Stent Placement
uterine fibroids
Fibroids are common non-cancerous (benign) tumors in the uterus. By the age of 35 years, it is estimated that about 40% of Caucasian women and up to 60% of African American women will have uterine fibroids. Chances of developing them are also increased if a woman is heavy or if other members of her family have been diagnosed with them. Fibroids can range in size from tiny to large.
Fibroids are made up of muscle and have a large supply of blood to them. No-one knows for sure what causes fibroids but they are certainly influenced by hormones and most likely to grow faster when estrogen is highest in a woman’s middle life.
Read more