Peripheral Arterial Disease:

Don't Forget Blood Vessels in Your Legs & Arms

Many people are aware of the importance of blockages in the blood vessels carrying blood to the heart (coronary artery disease).  But fewer people are aware that blood vessels in the legs and arms can also become blocked with the same cholesterol and atherosclerotic plaque (peripheral arterial disease). If you have pain or discomfort in your buttock, thigh or calf when walking, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is possible.

So what can you do to protect yourself from peripheral arterial disease? The first step is to know if you are at risk. Anyone can develop PAD, but the following increase your risk:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• History of cardiovascular disease

The more risk factors you have, the more important it is to be tested for peripheral arterial disease at your doctor’s office. If you do in fact have PAD, the sooner you are diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat the disease.

Valley residents are fortunate because several painless, high-tech diagnostic tests are available at Valley Baptist Medical Center–Harlingen and at the Valley Diagnostic Clinic in Harlingen. These include the Ankle Brachial Index tests and the Doppler Ultrasound Test.

Farley Neasman, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at the Valley Diagnostic Clinic, said the Ankle Branchial Index is a simple test in which blood pressure cuffs are used to measure the blood pressure in the arms and legs. Doctors then compare the blood pressure in the arms to the pressure in the legs to determine if the blood flow to the legs is adequate.

Doppler Ultrasound is a very accurate test that uses sound waves to determine if blood flow in the legs has been decreased.

If treatment is needed to open blockages, cardiologists can use tiny balloons, stents, medication, lasers, or a cutting device called a “Silver Hawk Artherectomy Device.”  VBMC-Harlingen and VBMC-Brownsville were among the first facilities in South Texas to offer laser treatment to open blockages in the arteries.

“We’re trying to bring every technology to this area to open these peripheral arteries,” Dr. Neasman said. “If we can open the blockage, the patient will usually be able to walk normally again and resume other activities such as dancing and golfing.”

In some cases, seeking early treatment at the doctor’s office or the Emergency Room can make the difference between whether or not the patient’s leg must be amputated. Blockages that are left untreated -- especially among patients with diabetes -- can lead to the amputation of the toes or even part of the leg.

While many people notice no symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, it is important to consult your doctor if you have any discomfort or aching in your legs; if one of your legs is numb or looks pale compared to the other leg; if you have any painful foot sores or ulcers; or if one of your arms hurts or loses feeling during physical activity.

For more information on peripheral arterial disease, please contact your doctor.

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