Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease and Treatment Options
Dr. Feliciano Serrano
Vascular Specialist
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects over 8 million Americans, yet many don't know they have it. This condition occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs, arms, and organs. Early detection and modern treatment can prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
PAD is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. When your legs don't receive enough blood flow, you may experience pain when walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, tissue death requiring amputation.
Important Fact
People with PAD have a 4-5 times higher risk of heart attack or stroke because the same plaque buildup that affects leg arteries often affects heart and brain arteries.
Common Symptoms of PAD
- Claudication: Painful cramping in your hips, thighs, or calves when walking that goes away with rest
- Cold feet or legs: One leg feels colder than the other
- Non-healing wounds: Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won't heal
- Color changes: Shiny skin, pale or bluish discoloration of legs
- Weak or absent pulse: Reduced pulse in legs or feet
Risk Factors
Smoking
The #1 risk factor. Smokers are 4x more likely to develop PAD. Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk, especially if blood sugar is poorly controlled.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension damages artery walls, making plaque buildup more likely.
Age Over 50
Risk increases with age, especially after 50. About 20% of people over 70 have PAD.
Modern Treatment Options
2 Medications
Several medications help manage PAD symptoms and prevent complications:
- • Antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots
- • Statins to lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque
- • Blood pressure medications to protect arteries
- • Cilostazol to improve walking distance
3 Angioplasty and Stenting
Minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries:
- • Balloon angioplasty stretches the artery open
- • Stent placement keeps the artery open long-term
- • Usually done as outpatient with local anesthesia
- • Quick recovery time compared to surgery
4 Bypass Surgery
For severe blockages, surgery creates a detour around blocked arteries:
- • Uses a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body
- • Synthetic graft may be used in some cases
- • Reserved for advanced PAD not suitable for angioplasty
The Importance of Early Detection
Early diagnosis through simple tests like the ankle-brachial index (ABI) can detect PAD before symptoms become severe. If caught early, lifestyle changes and medications can often prevent progression and avoid the need for procedures.
Expert Vascular Care in Southern California
Dr. Serrano provides comprehensive vascular care including diagnosis, medical management, and minimally invasive interventions for PAD and other vascular conditions.
Living Well with PAD
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, most people with PAD can live active, fulfilling lives. The key is early detection, consistent medical care, and commitment to heart-healthy habits. If you experience leg pain when walking or have risk factors for PAD, don't wait—schedule a vascular evaluation today.
About Dr. Feliciano Serrano
Dr. Serrano is a Harvard-trained vascular specialist and the first ACGME-certified interventional nephrologist in the United States. He provides expert diagnosis and treatment for peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions throughout Southern California.
Read Full Biography