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If your arteries become narrow and stiff, your heart has to work extra hard just to do its everyday job. Peripheral artery disease, a chronic buildup of plaque in your arteries, increases your risk of developing heart problems. You need to get a thorough checkup and custom treatment plan with an experienced cardiologist like Brian Eades, MD, FACC of CorCareTX. His McKinney, Texas practice always makes room for new patients who struggle with peripheral artery disease. All you have to do is call or book your first appointment online.
Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a chronic condition defined as having too much plaque buildup in your arteries. Plaque, which is a combination of fat, calcium, cholesterol, tissues, and debris, narrows and hardens your arteries.
This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, ultimately leads to peripheral artery disease which decreases blood flow. Peripheral artery disease usually affects arteries in your legs, although it also impacts arteries that send blood out to your head, arms, and stomach.
Possibly, since the symptoms can be painful. Peripheral artery disease sufferers often complain of:
If peripheral artery disease is left untreated, cells and tissues can die, since they can’t get the oxygen and nourishment they need. This leads to gangrene and in the most severe cases, requires amputation of a limb.
Yes. Some of the most common risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease include:
Dr. Eades typically prefers to have patients start out with lifestyle changes to help treat peripheral artery disease.
For example, if you smoke — a major contributor to peripheral artery disease — he can help you stop. Or if you’re overweight, he works with you to get down to a healthy weight.
But if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, he can prescribe medication. Because each medication works differently, you might have to try different ones — or different dosages — before finding the ideal treatment for your needs.
Typical medications for treating peripheral artery disease include:
In severe cases, you may need to go through surgery to treat peripheral artery disease. Dr. Eades uses the most modern procedures in such cases, and these include:
