Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to our arms and legs. Most often, the arteries in the legs are affected. Nearly 12 million Americans are currently living with PAD, and if left untreated, it can lead to avoidable amputations. 

Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month in September shines a spotlight on this cardiovascular condition. Many dismiss the mild to moderate leg pain associated with PAD as a normal part of aging. Raising awareness of PAD is crucial to encourage screenings for adults over 60 and promote lifestyle changes to help prevent PAD. 

What Causes PAD and Who is at Risk? 

PAD develops when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to areas away from the heart. This plaque consists of fatty deposits that narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow.  

Several factors increase your risk of developing PAD:

  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Excessive weight
  • Family history of artery disease
  • Smoking

What are the Symptoms of PAD? 

PAD can cause various symptoms, including:  

  • Leg pain after exercise or activity (claudication)  
  • Numbness in the legs or a tingling sensation in the feet and toes  
  • Cold or bluish skin on the affected limbs  
  • Shiny skin with noticeable hair loss  
  • Slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet (a critical warning sign) 

Remember, a foot ulcer or wound that hasn’t started healing within four weeks is the most dangerous symptom of PAD and needs immediate medical attention. 

How is PAD Diagnosed and Treated?

Your doctor may suspect PAD just by taking your pulse or examining a non-healing wound. To diagnose PAD, a simple and painless test is used, such as a Doppler ultrasound or an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test. These tests evaluate blood flow in the arteries near the wound and can identify any blockages. The Doppler ultrasound assesses blood flow directly, while the ABI test compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm. 

Treatment for PAD starts with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising and changing your diet to include foods low in saturated fats and high in fiber and healthy fats. Medication may be prescribed to help dilate blood vessels. In more severe cases, surgical inventions may be needed, including angioplasty, stents, or bypass surgery. 

How Does PAD Affect Wound Healing?

People suffering from PAD are prone to wounds on their legs and feet that will not heal due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the injured tissue. In fact, PAD is a factor in up to 30% of all ulcers that form on lower limbs. Proper care is essential for wound patients with PAD to promote healing and prevent infection and possible hospitalization. 

Healogics is the expert in chronic wound care and is dedicated to helping patients heal faster and more effectively. With over two decades of experience, we’ve successfully treated more than four million wounds, transforming countless lives. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our Wound Care Centers; we actively collaborate with leading academic and research scientists to drive innovation in wound care. This powerful combination of practical expertise and cutting-edge research allows us to provide personalized, state-of-the-art treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs.  

At Healogics, we’re not just treating wounds – we’re restoring health, mobility, and quality of life for our patients. 

Specialized wound care can reduce healing times, increase healing rates and significantly lower amputation risks.
If you or someone you care for is at risk for PAD and has a wound that is not healing, find a Center near you or request an appointment today.