Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common but serious condition that restricts blood flow to your limbs and organs. It is also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and is caused by atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but can also occur in other areas such as the arms, stomach, and kidneys.
Symptoms of PAD include leg pain, cramping, and weakness during physical activity. As the condition progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the legs, difficulty walking, and even non-healing wounds on the feet or legs.
At North Atlanta Heart & Vascular Center, our team of highly experienced PAD specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with this disease. Using endovascular treatments, a minimally invasive procedure, our team at North Atlanta Heart & Vascular Center helps to ensure that our patients receive the most effective and least disruptive treatment options.
With offices located in Alpharetta, Cumming, and Dawsonville, Georgia, our PAD specialists are conveniently located for patients in the North Atlanta area to receive top-quality care.
Typically, the first option for peripheral artery disease is lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and managing diabetes and high blood pressure. Peripheral artery disease medication that lowers blood pressure or improves cholesterol levels may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms and prevent blood clots.
If these lifestyle changes and medications are not effective, your doctor may recommend an endovascular intervention. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses catheters, wires, balloons, and stents to open up blocked or narrowed arteries. The procedure involves inserting a thin catheter into the affected artery, guided by X-ray imaging, and using different tools to remove plaque buildup or widen the artery.
In balloon angioplasty, the blocked artery is opened by pressing plaque against the vessel wall with a balloon inserted with the catheter. A stent, a mesh wire tube, may also be placed in the artery following angioplasty to support the cleared vessel and keep it open.
In the past, open surgery was the primary method for treating PAD, but endovascular intervention has become a preferred option due to its less invasive nature and shorter recovery time. At North Atlanta Heart & Vascular Center, our team of experts is highly skilled in performing these procedures, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care.
Patients with PAD who have not found relief from symptoms through conservative treatments may be good candidates for endovascular intervention. Our PAD specialists will evaluate your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you, whether that be an endovascular procedure or something else.
Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. However, most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks after the procedure.
While endovascular intervention can improve symptoms and restore blood flow in the affected area, it is not a cure for PAD. Lifestyle changes and ongoing medical management are still necessary to prevent further progression of the disease.
Scheduling at North Atlanta Heart & Vascular Center is easy! With simple and convenient online scheduling, you can book a same- or next-day appointment with an expert lipidologist near you at one of our offices in Alpharetta, Cumming, or Dawsonville. Don't wait any longer—contact us today!