An estimated 12 million people in the U.S. have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, PAD is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because patients are either asymptomatic or dismiss their symptoms as part of the normal aging process.

Symptoms of PAD can include, but are not limited to the following:

• Claudication: dull, cramping pain in the hips, thighs, calves or buttocks
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes
• Changes in skin temperature: cold to the touch
• Changes in skin color: bluish or reddish coloration
• Impotence
• Sores or infections that do not heal
• Weakness in legs or arms

If a patient has symptoms associated with PAD, several tests can be performed to make a diagnosis. An ankle brachial index (ABI) is used to measure the ratio of blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm. A lower pressure in the ankle may indicate PAD. This is a simple, non-invasive test, which can be done in the doctor's office. Another non-invasive test called a Doppler Ultrasound, uses sound waves to measure blood flow in a vessel and can determine if there is a blockage.

To make a final assessment, angiography is performed. This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a dye into the arteries and reviewing the area by X-Ray. Typically, the physician can see the blockage on the angiogram images.

Typically, the blockage can be repaired using minimally invasive techniques, such as Foxhollow Silverhawk™  Atherectomy.  If you have claudication or vascular disease and would like to be evaluated, please complete the form by clicking this link:  Request an appointment