Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

If you have a history of smoking or high cholesterol, your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases. At the office of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, diagnostic testing is available to identify blockages in your peripheral arteries before the condition worsens. Dr. Singh and the cardiology team create treatment plans using lifestyle changes, diet improvements, medications, and surgery to ease leg pain and other PAD symptoms so you can stay active. Call the Mesquite or Greenville, Texas, office to schedule a peripheral artery disease consultation or book an appointment online today. 

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when narrowed arteries in the arms or legs block the flow of blood. Arteries may become narrow because of a buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Without sufficient blood flow to your extremities, you can develop pain and other symptoms that affect your mobility and quality of life. PAD that progresses without treatment can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

You can also develop critical limb ischemia, a condition that interferes with the healing of wounds and can lead to tissue death.

The office of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, offers customized care plans for people with peripheral artery disease. The cardiology team can also provide preventive resources for individuals at increased risk of PAD due to age, existing health, and family history.

When should I get medical attention for PAD?

You may not have symptoms in the initial stages of peripheral artery disease. Dr. Singh and the team may recommend preventive screenings if your risk factors for PAD are high.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the cardiology specialists if you experience symptoms that affect your legs, feet, arms, or hands, such as:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Coldness
• Cramping
• Slow-healing sores
• Skin texture changes or discoloration

Your provider can perform an ankle-brachial index (ABI), a noninvasive test to identify blood pressure differences between your arms and ankles. They may also complete an ultrasound or other imaging test to check for blockages in your blood vessels.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

Dr. Singh and the cardiology team customize a care plan to ease leg pain and other symptoms that limit your mobility. They also recommend strategies like quitting smoking and exercising daily to improve your circulatory health and reduce your risk of stroke and other complications.

If these changes aren’t enough, your provider may prescribe medications to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. You might also need blood thinners to prevent blood clots.

Advanced peripheral artery disease often requires surgery. Your provider may recommend angioplasty to open blocked vessels or bypass surgery to help blood travel around a damaged vessel.

Call the office of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of peripheral artery disease or book an appointment online today.