Peripheral Artery Disease

You may not think much about painful, cramping, or tired legs, even if your feet are sometimes cold or numb; however,  these are symptoms of a serious circulatory condition: peripheral artery disease (PAD). One in 20 Americans over age 50 has PAD, and board-certified neurologist Farhad Elyaderani, MD, helps diagnose, treat, or prevent this disease at his convenient offices in the Bronx, Yonkers, and New Rochelle, New York. Call the nearest office or request a PAD consultation using the online booking feature today.

 What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs are blocked or narrowed. This is usually due to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, also called atherosclerosis.

PAD can impact any blood vessel, but it’s more likely to be found in the legs than the arms.

Am I at risk of peripheral artery disease?

You’re more likely to experience PAD if you’re over age 50. Other risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

While atherosclerosis makes PAD more likely, it’s not always the cause. Dr. Elyaderani carefully evaluates your symptoms and investigates the root causes to ensure the best possible health outcomes. He may also perform a stroke risk assessment.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

A common sign of PAD is pain in your legs when you’re physically active (even a relatively mild exertion, such as walking) that improves with rest. However, almost half of the individuals with PAD don’t have leg pain.

Other indications of PAD include:

• Hair loss
• Muscle atrophy (weakness)
• Shiny, smooth skin
• Being unable to find the pulse in your feet
• Skin that feels cool, particularly if you also find walking painful
• Numb or cold toes
• Slow- or non-healing sores or leg ulcers

If you have pain while walking, you may feel aches or cramps in your hips, buttocks, thighs, or calves.

How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?

Dr. Elyaderani performs a physical examination and reviews your medical history. He may order tests, such as an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, to diagnose and assess the severity of PAD. 

This noninvasive procedure compares blood pressure measurements in your ankles and arms. This lets him determine if your legs’ blood flow may be restricted because of blocked or narrowed arteries.  Arterial Doppler ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and identify any issues.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

Dr. Elyaderani aims to manage your symptoms (particularly leg pain) and reduce your risk of stroke and other complications by improving your artery health.

Your personalized care plan may include prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgery. Avoid smoking, manage high blood pressure and cholesterol, and try to keep active to improve your symptoms.

To assess your risk for PAD, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani to book an evaluation or request an appointment online today.