TREATING PAD

Imagine if simple tasks such as walking to the bathroom or climbing stairs caused severe pain. Since the pain may subside when you rest, you might automatically chalk it up to old age. However, it is crucially important to rule out peripheral artery disease (PAD).

As many as 12 million Americans suffer from PAD, according to the American Heart Association. People with PAD experience narrowing or clogging in the arteries that deliver blood to the body and are outside the heart and brain. It often occurs in the lower extremities and if left untreated, can result in limited mobility, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and limb amputation. The disease is more common in individuals who are ages 50 and older, and risk factors typically include high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Those who suffer from PAD may experience symptoms such as sores that do not heal; pale, bluish, or shiny skin; a noticeably lower temperature in one leg or foot; poor nail or hair growth; or erectile dysfunction. If you are at risk or have experienced any or all of these symptoms, it is vitally important to see a doctor. Remember, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the likelihood for a successful outcome. Many of these symptoms can be remediated or even resolved using medication or other minimally invasive techniques.

Fortunately, Citrus Cardiology and Vascular Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. The practice’s renowned team of expert interventional cardiologists provides the best screening, diagnostic tests, and treatment options available — all under one roof.

Patients who undergo screening for PAD have blood tests to check for diabetes or high cholesterol levels. An ankle brachial index (ABI) is often used as a screening test for PAD. This is a simple and painless test that compares the blood pressure readings in a patient’s ankle to blood pressure readings in a patient’s arms. A Doppler ultrasound, which measures sound waves to measure blood flow, is an effective tool to determine the degree to which someone is experiencing PAD.

Even when patients are diagnosed with the disease, they can rest assured knowing most cases are treatable. Treatment options may include making lifestyle changes or taking medication to mitigate the disease’s effects. In serious cases, patients may need to undergo minimally invasive surgery, angioplasty, or a bypass procedure.

PAD patients continually receive excellent results at Citrus Cardiology and Vascular Center, where a highly skilled team of cardiologists stays on the cutting-edge of cardiovascular diseases. More importantly, the team is committed to providing patients with high-quality, compassionate care. This is achieved by always putting the patient fi rst.

Citrus Cardiology and Vascular Center is located at 801 E. Dixie Ave. in Leesburg and at 910 Old Camp Road, Suite 210, in The Villages. For more information, please call 352.315.0627 (Leesburg) or 352.751.3356 (The Villages).