Your PAD Treatment and Recovery
Peripheral Artery Disease, commonly referred to as PAD, is a common yet serious condition that develops within your arteries. Over time, plaque, cholesterol, and excess fat buildup along your artery walls, slowing the flow of blood and nutrients throughout your body. In more severe cases, PAD can lead to complete blockage of the affected artery. If this occurs, the chances of a heart attack or stroke increase exponentially, giving PAD its threatening characteristic. When diagnosed with PAD, your first question is typically, “What peripheral artery disease treatment options are available to me?� For some, simple lifestyle changes in your exercise and diet are enough to deter the effects of PAD. For others, medication may be prescribed to lessen the symptoms of PAD. Medication prescribed for peripheral artery disease treatment may also assist in lower blood pressure or high cholesterol levels in your body, which are both thought to be indirect causes of PAD. However, more severe and advanced cases of PAD will require procedures at your local vascular centers. Amongst the best in the industry is the USA Vascular Centers. With new vascular centers in Florida to New York and across the country, it is easier than ever to consult a specialist about your PAD diagnosis. If you suspect you may suffer from PAD, your first step towards treatment is to consult a vascular specialist. At the USA Vascular Centers, our experienced medical staff will review your symptoms and list any risk factors that may increase your chances of developing PAD. These include obesity, smoking, being over the age of 50, practicing a poor diet, and more. For those who are diagnosed with PAD, treatment can vary. When diagnosed within the earliest stages, medication can be substituted for clinical procedures, but are also limited within their
effectiveness. Once medication and lifestyle changes are not enough, we may prescribe a Stent Angioplasty procedure. As an outpatient procedure, performed in our clinic, stent angioplasty is completed within half an hour for most patients with little to no complications. The procedure itself is simple; a small microscopic catheter is inserted into the affected artery. Once inside, a metal stent is released, which expands and opens the previously blocked artery. The plaque and excess fat that blocked the artery is push aside, allowing blood to flow normally through the vein. This non-surgical procedure relieves symptoms, such as swelling and cramping, within weeks. Following the procedure, it is recommended to wear compression socks and keep intense physical activity to a minimum to allow your blood flow to regulate itself. Whether you’re looking for a vascular center in Florida or having your follow-up PAD treatment appointment in Illinois, the USA Vascular Centers have multiple locations across the nation to better serve your vascular needs. We dedicate ourselves to improve your mobility and maintain your independence throughout your vascular issues.