Every time the heart beats it pumps blood throughout the circulatory system. While veins deliver blood back to the heart, arteries are responsible for carrying blood away from the heart to tissues throughout the body. Since artery disease can impact a variety of systems and areas of the body, there is a wide range of symptoms associated with these diseases including dizziness, poor balance, chest pain, and even pressure in the chest.
This is one of the most common types of artery diseases. Just as plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart, it can also build up in arteries outside the heart as well. This narrows the arteries, which restricts or can even cut off blood flow. Peripheral artery disease often impacts the legs, leading to cramping and pain. You may also notice the skin changes color or that your legs feel easily tired.
If you notice any numbness, weakness, or pain in your legs, it’s important that you seek medical attention and don’t just dismiss this. While occasionally tired legs may just be the result of increased activity, leg pain and weakness that doesn’t go away should always be evaluated by your doctor.
Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). These include:
Recognizing these factors can help you understand your risk and encourage timely screening and management to protect your vascular health.
One of the most common symptoms of PAD is discomfort or cramping in the legs, hips, or buttocks that occurs during physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs. This pain, often called claudication, typically eases with rest but can significantly limit your mobility and daily life. It happens because narrowed arteries cannot supply enough blood to meet the increased demands of your muscles during activity.
Changes in the appearance and sensation of your feet and legs can also signal PAD. You might notice your skin looks pale, shiny, or feels cool to the touch compared to other areas. Numbness or weakness may be present as blood flow diminishes.
Additionally, slow-healing sores, wounds, or ulcers on the toes, feet, or lower legs are serious symptoms that require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
At Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group, our specialists use advanced diagnostic testing to pinpoint circulation issues and determine the best treatment plan for each patient.
The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple, noninvasive test widely used to detect PAD. During the procedure, blood pressure is measured at the ankle and the arm while you lie comfortably. The results are compared to determine if blood flow to the legs is reduced. This quick, reliable test helps screen patients early, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness over time.
Doppler and duplex ultrasounds are powerful diagnostic tools that use sound waves to create images of your arteries and assess blood flow dynamics. This testing allows visualization of any blockages, narrowing, or plaque buildup without radiation exposure.
For more detailed assessments, advanced imaging like computed tomography (CT), angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRI) may be recommended. These high-resolution scans provide cross-sectional views and 3D maps of your blood vessels to guide precise interventions when necessary. Together, these methods offer a comprehensive picture of arterial health to support personalized treatment decisions.
Treating PAD often begins with lifestyle changes and medication. For patients whose symptoms persist despite these measures, minimally invasive endovascular procedures offer effective relief. At Cardiac & Vascular Intervention Group, our comprehensive approach allows patients across Texas to receive personalized PAD care that improves quality of life and health outcomes.
Many patients can manage PAD through lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure. Medications such as antiplatelets, statins, or vasodilators may also be prescribed to improve circulation and prevent clotting.
When lifestyle and medication alone aren’t enough, minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow and relieve pain. These include:
These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, have minimal recovery time, and can often be completed on an outpatient basis.
You can take steps today to lower your risk and support vascular health:
At Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group, we provide advanced, compassionate care for patients with PAD and other vascular conditions. Whether through prevention, diagnosis, or minimally invasive treatment, our team is here to help you regain vascular health and confidence.
One Heart. One Family. One Mission. Schedule your PAD consultation with our Dallas or DeSoto location today and take the first step toward better circulation and lasting wellness.
