• 1840 Mease Drive, Suite 319, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695
  • Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening today

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Office Hours

Mon - Fri:8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:Office Closed
Sunday:Office Closed
+(727) 712-3233
info@wfvav.com

Peripheral Artery Disease

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

If left untreated, this lethal vascular disease can result in limb amputation, heart attacks, and strokes.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious medical condition characterized by the narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the limbs, typically the legs. This is primarily due to the buildup of fatty deposits, also known as plaque, which eventually reduces or blocks blood flow. PAD is not just a disease of the peripheral arteries, but an indication of systemic atherosclerosis which can affect brain and heart arteries. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as limb loss, heart attack, and stroke. It’s therefore crucial to recognize the symptoms early and seek medical attention.

  • Fact: The overall range of people affected by PAD in the United States is estimated to be between 7 and 12 million
  • Fact: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects approximately 6.5 million people aged 40 and older in the United States
  • Fact: In a more recent estimate, the prevalence of PAD in the US in 2020 was between 19 to 21 million, indicating that PAD prevalence continues to be underestimated
  • Fact: PAD is one of the leading causes of lower extremity amputations Every year, 75,000 individuals in the United States undergo leg amputations as a result of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Alarmingly, 35,000 of these annual amputations are carried out without a previous diagnosis of the condition.

What Are The Common Causes of PAD?

The narrowing of the arteries in PAD is typically caused by the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

However, there are several risk factors and causes that can contribute to the development of PAD.

  1. Smoking: Smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and is a significant risk factor for PAD and other cardiovascular diseases.
  2. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing PAD due to the damage high blood sugar levels can inflict on arteries.
  3. High Blood Pressure: Hypertension contributes to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of PAD.
  4. High Cholesterol: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, can lead to atherosclerosis.
  5. Older Age: The risk of PAD increases with age, particularly after reaching 50 years.
  6. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of PAD as it can contribute to atherosclerosis and other heart-related conditions.
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It’s important to understand that while the factors listed are common causes or risk factors associated with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), having one or more of these does not guarantee you will develop the condition. They merely increase the likelihood. Each individual’s health circumstances are unique, and many variables can influence the development of PAD.

What Makes Peripheral Artery Disease and Peripheral Vascular Disease a Health Threat?

Firstly, one of the main dangers is the potential for an arterial blood clot to form. When the arteries are narrowed due to atherosclerosis, it becomes easier for blood clots to form. These clots can block the flow of blood completely, potentially leading to critical limb ischemia, a severe form of PAD that can cause extreme pain and even tissue death.

Secondly, another risk factor is a dislodged plaque particle. If a piece of the fatty deposit or plaque breaks off, it can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in a smaller artery, causing a blockage. This can lead to a stroke or heart attack if the blockage occurs in the arteries leading to the brain or heart.

Lastly, PAD can lead to gangrene and ultimately the need for amputation. If PAD is severe or left untreated, it can reduce blood flow to such an extent that your limbs, usually your legs, don’t receive enough blood. This can lead to gangrene, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires amputation of the affected limb to prevent its spread.

What Are The Symptoms Of PAD?

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If you experience any of these symptoms, especially leg pain that does not go away when you stop exercising, seek medical advice as soon as possible.:
  • Leg numbness or weakness
  • Change in color of your legs
  • Pain in the legs while lying down or at rest
  • A weak pulse in your legs or feet
  • Coldness in your lower leg or foot
  • Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
  • Slower growth of your toenails

If you’ve noticed or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take immediate action. Scheduling a Peripheral Artery Disease Test can be a crucial step in managing your health. Early detection of PAD not only helps in mitigating the symptoms but also reduces the risk of severe complications like heart attack, stroke, and even limb loss. By identifying PAD at an early stage, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop an effective treatment plan that can significantly improve your quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), remember that you’re not alone and there are effective treatment options available.
Dr. Mark Zuzga at West Florida Vein & Vascular is highly skilled in state-of-the-art procedures like Atherectomy, Angioplasty, and Stenting. Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove plaque from a blood vessel, while Angioplasty & Stenting involve using a balloon to open a blocked artery and placing a stent to keep it open. These treatments can significantly alleviate the symptoms of PAD and improve your quality of life. With the latest technology and techniques at his disposal, Dr. Zuzga is committed to providing each patient with personalized care, helping them navigate their treatment journey with confidence and support.

To get started, schedule your Vascular Ultrasound today.

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See PAD Treatment Overview

Contact Us

No one needs to suffer from untreated varicose vein disease or arterial related diseases anymore. In addition, with today’s favorable insurance coverage, the procedures are even more accessible. If you have a vein problem, contact us today.

Telephone: (727) 712-3233
Facsimile: (727) 712-1853
Email: Contact Us Online

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