PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE PROGRAM
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
More than 12 million people in the United States suffer from vascular disease. The most common cause of peripheral artery disease is atherosclerosis, or buildup of plaque in the arterial walls. Peripheral artery disease is marked by chronic foot and leg pain caused by the plaque build-up, which restricts blood flow. Many of these cases are complicated by cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders or kidney disease. Recent data suggests that peripheral vascular disease continues to be a prevalent yet under-diagnosed and under-treated condition. Peripheral vascular disease shares the same risk factors as coronary artery disease and the diseases often occur together.
Normal Artery and Artery With Plaque Buildup
The illustration shows how P.A.D. can affect arteries in the legs. Figure A shows a normal artery with normal blood flow. The inset image shows a cross-section of the normal artery. Figure B shows an artery with plaque buildup that’s partially blocking blood flow. The inset image shows a cross-section of the narrowed artery.
The Peripheral Vascular Disease program at St. Paul Heart Clinic is designed to collaborate with primary care providers, podiatrists and our patients to increase the awareness and detection while optimizing clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease include:
- Intermittent claudication – Pain, numbness, aching or heaviness in the leg muscles that develop with activity. Pain or cramping is often noticed in the calf, but may also be felt in the buttocks or thighs. Symptoms may ease after resting.
- Sores or wounds on the toes, feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all
- Changes in skin temperature or color
- Impotence
How is peripheral vascular disease detected?
Early detection of peripheral vascular disease is important before the disease can progress and lead to complications such as amputation, heart attack and stroke. A physical examination will be performed and your medical history and risk factors will be reviewed. Appropriate testing for peripheral vascular disease may include ankle brachial index, vascular ultrasound, angiography, CT scan or MRI.
How is peripheral vascular disease treated?
Lifestyle changes, medications, interventional procedures and surgery are the treatments available for peripheral vascular disease.
At St. Paul Heart Clinic, the Peripheral Vascular Disease Program is comprised of a team of cardiologists and nurse clinicians. New patients referred to the Peripheral Vascular Disease Program will be seen by Thomas Biggs, M.D, Brian Mahoney, M.D. or Sara Murray, M.D.
Learn more about Dr. Biggs
Learn more about Dr. Mahoney
Learn more about Dr. Murray
To contact PVD physicians or services direct, call 651-726-7011.
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