I've Been Diagnosed with PAD: Now What?

There are around 6.5 million adults over the age of 40 in the US who have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, or PAD. The real number of people with PAD is probably much higher due to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases. If you’ve gotten a PAD diagnosis, you’re probably already having some side effects of this all-too-common condition.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed not only screens patients for peripheral artery disease, he creates customized treatment plans, as well. September is PAD Awareness Month, which makes now a perfect time to learn more about PAD and what it could mean for you.

PAD basics

Peripheral artery disease is a cardiovascular condition that affects the arteries carrying blood to your extremities. Plaque build-up on the inside walls of the arteries narrows the space available for the passage of blood, increasing blood pressure and slowing blood flow. 

There are several risk factors that make it more likely that you’ll develop PAD. For example, if you have a first-degree relative with PAD, are over the age of 65, already have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, are obese, or are Black, you’ve got an increased chance of developing PAD as you get older.

Signs of PAD

There are some symptoms of PAD that you may have noticed, but, unfortunately, they often don’t show up until your arteries are already significantly affected. That’s why early screening for PAD, especially if you have multiple risk factors, is critical for early diagnosis. 

Once the arteries in your lower extremities can’t deliver enough blood, you might start experiencing one or more of the following:

• Intermittent leg cramps that worsen over time
• A cold or numb feeling in your lower legs and feet
• Wounds on your lower legs or feet that are slow to heal
• Patches of shiny skin on your calves and ankles
• Slowed hair growth on your calves

Once you’ve been diagnosed, keep your eye out for these symptoms, as they can tell you if your condition is worsening.

Dangers of PAD

Having PAD can lead to several severe complications. The narrowed arteries caused by PAD put you at a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. If you’re already in a high-risk category for heart disease or stroke, PAD can make that risk worse.

Additionally, PAD puts you at a much higher risk for a lower limb amputation than the general population. PAD alone makes it more than 12 times as likely you’ll need an amputation due to a lower leg or foot wound, and having PAD plus diabetes makes an amputation more than 50 times as likely.

What’s next?

If you have PAD but your condition isn’t yet very advanced, lifestyle changes may help improve your vascular health. 

If you smoke, stopping should be the first thing on your to-do list. If you have comorbidities like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, getting treatment for those conditions can help. 

There are also medications (peripheral vasodilators) you can take to expand narrowed arteries. Dr Ahmed can perform a minor surgery to open up your arteries for normalized blood flow if you have extremely advanced PAD.

For more information on PAD, call Apex Endovascular at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.