When plaque caused by cholesterol, fat, and tissues accumulate in your arteries, they cause the blood vessels to narrow and prevent blood flow to the extremities. They can lead to complications such as numbness or discomfort. If you do not treat this condition, it can lead to more severe complications and lead to amputation. The disease can cause pain and suffering. Your specialist for peripheral artery disease in Frisco at Prime Heart and Vascular offers innovative treatment to lower your risks of complications and lead a quality life.
What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease can occur over a long time, and the symptoms sometimes don’t easily show until later in life. For many people, the symptoms may not display until it is 60% worse. The first visible symptom is intermittent cramping in the lower leg that starts with activity but gets relieved while resting and recurs when you resume working. This pain is often accompanied by numbness, weakness, and fatigue in the leg muscles that feels better when you sleep. The pain can be severe enough to alter your normal working leg. The pain occurs due to reduced blood flow to the leg muscles, and it reduces at rest because the muscles require less blood flow at rest. Other symptoms may include:
- A feeling of cold in both feet or lower legs
- Skin color appears red
- Toe and foot ulcers that do not seem to heal
- Weakness or absence of a pulse in the legs
If you have experienced such symptoms, you should book an appointment with your doctor to conduct a diagnosis and prescribe the proper medication. This condition is treatable so that you can lead a quality, everyday life.
How is it diagnosed?
When you visit your doctor for treatment, they will first need to diagnose it to find the proper medication. You will undergo several tests that will help your doctor determine the cause and treatment options. Your doctor may carry out a physical examination, including your medical history and lifestyle. Your specialist may order ultrasound scanning to check blood flow and the conditions of arteries. Your caregiver may also do blood tests to check whether you have this disease. The other tests that you may get includes:
The ankle/brachial Index (ABI)
This type of test is used to determine the amount of blood pressure in the lower legs compared to the upper arms. During this test, special instruments are used to check the pressure.
Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)
PVR is a minimally invasive test used to measure the blood volume in the legs. This kind of test helps to identify the blocked area in the blood vessels.
How is peripheral artery disease treated?
A comprehensive diagnosis helps your doctor to determine the proper treatment depending on your needs. Your doctor will prescribe medications, interventional therapies, and advice on lifestyle changes to deal with this disorder. You may be given drugs to treat underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. An antiplatelet may be issued to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your caregiver will recommend a lifestyle change such as quitting smoking tobacco, advising you to eat a balanced diet, and regularly exercising. If you are struggling with this condition, book an appointment with a Prime Heart and Vascular specialist to start your treatment journey.
