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Explore the Blogs category of CSI’s Stand Against Amputation site to find out medical information, symptoms and treatments for PAD.

What to Expect from Your PAD Medical Team

What to Expect from Your PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Medical Team

Have you noticed new or increased symptoms such as poor circulation, leg pain, cold legs and sores recently?

Too many people dismiss these important signs as mild irritations. Some also worry that physicians won’t take their concerns seriously or, worse, will recommend amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe). It feels easier to not schedule a doctor appointment.

Early detection is important if you have peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD). Through tests such as an ankle-brachial indexThis is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured at the ankle to that measured in the arm artery. It is sometimes also called the ankle-arm index. (ABI) and getting the right treatment, you can help stop the disease from getting worse. You might also save a toe or leg from amputation.¹⁷

Learning how a team of medical providers will work with you will also make you feel more comfortable going to appointments.

Keep your PAD medical appointments

If you’re experiencing new symptoms, your first step is to meet with your primary care physician (PCP). According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, “If you are older than 50, have diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both., are a smoker or overweight and have leg pain when you walk, it is a good sign to talk to your doctor.” Your PCP’s evaluation will help determine if you need to see a specialist.

Your PAD medical team probably will involve several providers. “Nurse practitioners or physicians will function as a navigator for patients to ensure they go to every appointment,” says Dr. Jason Mendivil, a podiatrist for Pulse Amputation Prevention Centers in El Paso, TX. “It’s important to see every healthcare professional that is recommended to you — from interventional radiologists to podiatrists to vascular surgeons.”

What to expect from a PAD specialist

During your checkup with a PCP, they will determine if you’re at risk for PAD by asking questions about your medical history. They may also perform or request an ABI test. With this test, your doctors can compare the blood pressure in an arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. of the ankle to the blood pressure in an artery of the arm.

If you need to see a PAD specialist, you may work with a team of clinical care coordinators, podiatrists and wound care specialists, vascular specialists and other healthcare professionals.

Podiatrist will perform a general physical examination of your feet, especially with diabetic patients. They will also treat and track the healing of open wounds.
Vascular specialists will examine the blood flow through your entire leg. “Once I get an entire good picture of the entire arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. and circulation of both legs, then we make a decision of what is the best way to treat a patient,” says Dr. M. Laiq Raja, a cardiologist at Pulse Amputation Prevention Centers in El Paso, TX. Minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. endovascularThis means “inside blood vessels.” To perform endovascular procedures, surgeons use special technologies and instruments. These procedures require only a small incision or puncture in an artery or vein. procedures include angioplastyIn this minimally invasive procedure, a small, hollow tube (catheter) is threaded through a blood vessel to the affected artery. A small balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to reopen the artery and flatten the blockage into the artery wall, while at the same time stretching the artery open to increase blood flow., stenting and/or atherectomyA minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries by using a device on the end of a catheter to remove atherosclerotic plaque (a deposit of fat and other substances that accumulate in the lining of the artery wall).. For more serious forms of PAD, doctors may recommend arterial bypass surgeryYour doctor will create a graft bypass using a vessel from another part of the body or a blood vessel made of synthetic fabric. This technique allows blood to flow around – or bypass – the blocked or narrowed artery..

Schedule an initial evaluation and keep ongoing medical appointments with your PAD medical team. That way you can have more treatment options and avoid amputation of a toe, foot or leg due to advanced PAD.

For more information

If you or a loved one needs help finding a doctor or getting a second opinion, use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to help find a PAD expert near you.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can cause burning or pain in the feet and legs

Is Peripheral Neuropathy the Same as PAD?

When you talk with your doctor about diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both., you may hear a variety of medical terms, including peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.) and peripheral neuropathyThe most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. It affects the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. It generally starts in the feet, and it tends to start in both feet at once..

It’s easy to confuse these “peripheral conditions” because both cause burning or painful discomfort in the feet or legs. As you advocate for your or a loved one’s health, you want to know the correct diagnosis and term. That way you can do additional research and know the right type of doctor for a second opinion.

So what is the difference between these two serious conditions?

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Your peripheral nervous system is the critical connection between your central nervous system and the rest of your body. Peripheral nerves tell you how you feel — cold, hot, tingly, prickly, numb or weak. But what happens if these nerves are damaged or destroyed?

Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system. is a disease that results from diminished or malfunctioning peripheral nerves. According to Johns Hopkins, “Some people inherit the disorder from their parents. Others develop it because of an injury or another disorder,” which can include chemotherapy, infections, traumatic injuries and more. However, diabetes is one of the most common causes.⁴⁵

Peripheral neuropathy can mask PAD symptoms and delay diagnosis, according to Harvard Health Pubhlishing. Women are particularly at risk as they are less likely to report pain.

Know the symptoms

Estimates show that neuropathy will affect about 25% to 30% of Americans. The condition affects people of all ages; however, older people are at increased risk. About 8% of adults over 65 years of age report some degree of neuropathy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The most common peripheral neuropathy symptoms include:

Gradual onset of numbness and weakness in legs
Constant or shooting/stabbing pain
Changes in sensation — from an inability to feel pain, pressure, temperature or touch to extreme sensitivity to touch and severe pain, especially at night
Pain during casual activities
Tripping, stumbling, lack of coordination and balance problems
Muscle weakness and atrophy

What is PAD?

While peripheral neuropathy is a nervous system condition, PAD is a condition of the arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body.. It’s characterized by narrowed, hardened arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow to the legs and feet.

Common risk factors for PAD are increasing age, diabetes, kidney diseaseA disease that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and extra water from the blood. and smoking. PAD has a range of general symptoms:

Cold toes or feet
Dry, discolored skin
Pain while walking
Nighttime leg pain
Painful, heavy legs
Numbness or burning sensations
Wounds that won’t heal
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene. or black tissue

Peripheral neuropathy can mask PAD symptoms and delay diagnosis, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Talk to your primary care physician (PCP) if you’re having recurring pain. Describe the pain in detail to help get a proper diagnosis.

You want to diagnose PAD or peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease as soon as possible. Early detection gives your doctor more treatment options and prevent the conditions from getting worse.

Use Take a Stand Against Amputation’s Symptom Quiz and Find a Doctor tool if you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to PAD.

What Doctors Diagnose and Treat Peripheral Artery Disease

What Doctors Diagnose and Treat Peripheral Artery DiseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.?

Are you worried that pain in your leg is getting worse? Or are you experiencing cold toes or feet? Sometimes you may even have numbness or burning sensations in your legs.

You may be experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.).

It’s important to not assume these symptoms as part of the normal aging process because if not detected early, PAD could lead to amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe). But what type of doctor or PAD specialist should you see for help?

Start with your primary care physician

See your primary care physician (PCP) if you’re experiencing any leg pain, wounds that won’t heal or dry, discolored skin. Before arriving at a PAD diagnosis, your PCP will initially consider your:

Medical history. Expect questions about your history of coronary heart diseaseA disease in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart muscle., cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both., hypertensionHypertension is a medical term for high blood pressure., cholesterol levels, previous surgical and interventional radiological procedures, chronic kidney diseaseA disease that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and extra water from the blood. and more. Your PCP also will ask you about your smoking history.
Family’s medical history. Do you have one or more members of your immediate family who have undergone surgical procedures on arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. in the legs like balloon angioplastyIn this minimally invasive procedure, a small, hollow tube (catheter) is threaded through a blood vessel to the affected artery. A small balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to reopen the artery and flatten the blockage into the artery wall, while at the same time stretching the artery open to increase blood flow., stent or surgical bypass before the age of 65? Do you have a relative who has had a non-traumatic foot or lower leg amputation?
Clinical examination. Your doctor may assess you for weak or absent arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. pulses, measure blood pressure with the ankle-brachial indexThis is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured at the ankle to that measured in the arm artery. It is sometimes also called the ankle-arm index. (ABI) test, take blood, and check your skin and nails for poor wound healing and changes in color.

When to see a PAD specialist

For early-stage PAD, your doctor may recommend long-lasting lifestyle changes.³⁴ “You often can successfully treat peripheral artery disease by quitting tobacco, exercising and eating a healthy diet,” according to the Mayo Clinic. PCPs can also treat moderate cases with medication.

However, for more advanced cases of PAD, your PCP may recommend seeing a PAD specialist, such as:

Interventional cardiologists or radiologists who perform minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. procedures like angioplasty, atherectomyA minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries by using a device on the end of a catheter to remove atherosclerotic plaque (a deposit of fat and other substances that accumulate in the lining of the artery wall). or stenting to restore blood flow.
Vascular specialists who treat blood vessel diseases and can perform lower extremity bypass surgery(Arterial bypass surgery) Your doctor will create a graft bypass using a vessel from another part of the body or a blood vessel made of synthetic fabric. This technique allows blood to flow around – or bypass – the blocked or narrowed artery. to treat PAD. This bypass graft surgery in the leg removes a healthy blood vessel in the leg and grafts it above and below the blockage.
Cardiologists who may be consulted in case of heart problems, such as congenital heart disease (CHD), chest pains and a heart attack, associated with PAD.

Don’t wait to talk to a doctor about your symptoms. Seeing a PCP and getting an early diagnosis can make a big difference in your health — and possibly save you from amputation.

For more information

Take CSI’s interactive Symptom Quiz if you’re concerned about PAD. The quiz offers a list of questions to help you talk with your PCP. You can also use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you.

What are Varicose Veins?

Have you been noticing little purple and blue veins suddenly appearing on your legs? You could have varicose veins. These veins are abnormal, swollen and twisted blood vessels. They are often surrounded by thin, red capillaries commonly known as spider veins.

Varicose veins are a type of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a category of diseases that affect the flow of blood in your legs. Peripheral Vascular Diseases include:

Chronic venous insufficiency
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Thrombophlebitis
Varicose Veins
Peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.)

Varicose Veins — Not Just a Cosmetic Inconvenience

Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic inconvenience; they can also be very painful.

“A lot of my patients that have varicose veins have to go home at the end of their workday, put their legs up on a couch, take some Tylenol^® or Advil^® and do these things to get the pressure off of their legs by elevating them,” says Vascular & Interventional Radiologist Dr. Kirk Minkus, at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Similarities and Differences Between Varicose Veins and PAD

PAD and varicose veins have some similar symptoms, such as leg pain, heaviness, a warm feeling and aching in your legs. Other symptoms of PAD include:

Cold toes or feet
Dry, discolored skin
Pain while walking
Nighttime leg pain
Numbness
Wound that won’t heal
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene. or black tissue

Studies have shown that patients with varicose veins may be at increased risk for PAD. The American College of Cardiology notes that the association between varicose veins and PAD is not certain, but clinicians should still be aware of a possible connection. Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms at your appointments and routinely check the pulse and blood pressure in your legs and feet.

Don’t assume you know whether your symptoms are the result of PAD or varicose veins. Find a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

“If you have any of these venous-type symptoms, you need to get in touch with a vascular specialist like myself,” says Dr. Minkus. “We can discuss with you the treatments we have to be able to fix varicose veins issues and this tight, bloated, swollen, painful, achy, warm feeling in your legs that you experience every day.”

For More Information

Would you like to know more about varicose veins? Watch Dr. Minkus discuss this subject in “Varicose Veins Explained”, brought to you by Take A Stand Against AmputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe)^® and The Way To My Heart.

Don’t let your symptoms intensify. Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to talk to a PAD specialist today.

We’re Here to Stand Against Amputation with You

We’re Here to Stand Against AmputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) with You

A lesser known health condition is making a big impact in the U.S. Every year, about 160,000 Americans undergo an amputation due to peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.).³

That is a significant number for one health condition, and it’s staggering considering that it represents more amputations than all U.S. war-related amputations since the Civil War.

PAD is a common and often underdiagnosed circulatory disease where blood flow to the legs and feet is restricted by the narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup. Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation and put you or a loved one’s quality of life and long-term health at serious risk.

Amputations result from a variety of factors, including underlying conditions, late-stage diagnosis and healthcare disparities.

73,000 amputations per year are patients with diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.³
The risk for amputation is 10 times greater in patients who have both PAD and diabetes versus those who have PAD alone¹²
Critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI) — the advanced form of PAD — carries a high risk of lower limb amputation estimated in 10% to 40% of patients⁶⁰
African Americans are up to 4 times more likely to have an amputation than Caucasian Americans⁶¹

How to get the best care for PAD

Many people dismiss early PAD symptoms, like pain while walking or cold feet. Instead of talking with a health care professional, they may think these changes are just a normal part of getting older.

But it’s crucial to take these symptoms seriously and to schedule regular medical appointments and have open discussions with your doctor, according to Dr. Jihad Mustapha, Assistant Professor for Medicine at Michigan State University.

“If you have critical limb ischemia (the most severe form of PAD), your chance of dying is higher than colon, breast or prostate cancer,” he says. “Tell your doctor exactly what you’re feeling. With early detection of PAD, there are more treatment options available. Your physician may be able to recommend lifestyle changes or a minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. procedure.”

Are you at risk for PAD?

Over 50 years old
A current or former smoker
Have diabetes
Struggle with high blood pressure or cholesterol
Suffer from kidney diseaseA disease that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and extra water from the blood.

Reduce the risk of amputation

There are ways to reduce the possibility of amputation in addition to making lifestyle changes.

If you exhibit risk factors, talk to your doctor about PAD.
If you have received a PAD diagnosis, keep in-office or telehealth appointments to avoid more serious surgical interventions.
If a doctor recommends amputation, you can ask for a second opinion. Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist.

For More Information

There are treatment options available for PAD. Using the Find a Doctor tool to locate a specialist today and talk to them about your options.

We Stand with the ADA for Health Equity

Stand Against Ampuation supports the American Diabetes Association's Health Equity Bill of Rights

Know Your Rights to Get the Healthcare You Deserve

Too many minority and low-income Americans do not have access to the health care they need. The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness of these inequities, and the American Diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Association (ADA) has a Health Equity Bill of Rights to balance the injustices.

Healthcare disparities have many effects, including:

Uneven access to medical services
Gaps in in health insurance coverage
Worse health outcomes — especially when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes

At Stand Against AmputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe), we support the association’s goal in combatting systemic racism in healthcare. Education and empowerment are the first steps toward equal healthcare for all.

Not Enough Doctors Take Black People’s Pain Seriously

122 million Americans live with diabetes and prediabetes and Black Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than other races, according to the ADA. The association reports that Black men are also twice as likely to die from diabetes.

There are many factors that contribute to this healthcare imbalance. Access to insurance is critical. The ADA reports that people of color account for over 75% of low-income Americans.

“Some healthcare providers also approach Black patients with a bias,” says Dr. Robert Gabbay, the ADA’s Chief Medical Officer. “Not enough doctors take Black people’s pain seriously. They may not prescribe the medication, diet or exercise regimen in the same way for a white patient. Untreated diabetes can then lead to worse health problems and other serious illnesses.

Diabetes is also a powerful risk factor for peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.). Amputation is a common treatment for advanced stages of PAD, and Black people are twice as likely to get an amputation than Caucasians.⁴⁷ Amputation should be avoided, as it can put your life at risk.²⁵

Inaction on health inequities is not an option.

The Health Equity Bill of Rights

The American Diabetes Association has created the Health Equity Bill of Rights to help spread awareness about how inequity systemically harms people of color. The ADA envisions a future without unjust health disparities. That dream starts with knowing your rights:

The right to access insulin and other drugs affordably – People with diabetes should be able to get the medication they need.
The right to healthy food – Diabetes rates are inversely related to income level. Nutrition is critical to diabetes prevention and management.
The right to insurance that covers diabetes management and future cures – It’s essential that all people with or at risk of diabetes are covered by robust health insurance.
The right not to face stigma or discrimination – Every American with diabetes should be able to live and work free of discrimination and stigma.
The right to avoid preventable amputations – Every American with diabetes should have access to the care necessary to prevent diabetes-related amputations.
The right to participate in clinical trials without fear – Medical research has a troubling history of mistreatment of minorities. Every effort must be made to protect a diverse range of participants in drug trials.
The right to stop prediabetes from becoming diabetes – Every American should have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate diabetes testing, care, counseling and other resources necessary to prevent diabetes onset.
The right to a built environment that does not put you at greater risk for getting diabetes – All Americans are entitled to access to an environment that allows for a healthy lifestyle.
The right to the latest medical advances – The latest advances in diabetes management should be accessible for all.
The right to have your voice heard – Every community should have a say in how their needs can best be addressed.

Download the Health Equity Bill of Rights to learn more about #HealthyEquityNow. We can have a future where everyone has equal access to healthcare – regardless of race, income, zip code, age, education or gender.

For More Information

Education and empowerment are also important for PAD. Don’t accept amputation before getting a second opinion. Learn more about how PAD progresses and use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist.

Two Kinds of PAD Pain and Two Ways to Fight It

Two Kinds of PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Pain and Two Ways to Fight It

How bad is my pain from peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD)? Am I at a higher risk for amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) based on the pain I’m feeling? Vascular Surgeon Dr. Anahita Dua, with Mass General Hospital in Boston, Mass., explains the differences between experiencing pain while walking and pain in the legs while resting. Dr. Dua provides what the pain means, what can be done and the seriousness of peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease.

Watch Dr. Dua in “The Two Types of Peripheral Artery Disease Explained,” as she clearly and helpfully breaks down the two different categories of PAD and provides clarity into the kinds of pain PAD patients experience.

PAD in Two Buckets

PAD affects more than 20 million people and has a higher prevalence than cancer, stroke and congestive heart failure.^41–43 Despite that, many people don’t know enough about this potentially life-threatening disease.

Dr. Dua explains that PAD can be grouped in two categories:

Intermittent claudication: If a person experiences pain while walking, and they do not have open wounds on their legs or feet that won’t heal, they likely have intermittent claudication. This kind of PAD can have a very negative effect on quality of life. Dr. Dua explains that walking is the best way for people with this type of PAD to improve leg health, fight the effects of peripheral artery disease, and improve heart and overall health. She recommends that you push through and keep walking, even if you’re experiencing pain. The ultimate result will be an improved quality of life.
Critical Limb IschemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI): This type of peripheral artery disease is as serious as it sounds. You may have wounds on your feet or legs that won’t heal, and may experience intense, burning, nighttime pain in your legs when they are at rest. If the pain is there when you’re walking and doesn’t go away even when you’re resting, you could have CLI. People with CLI are at risk of amputation. These individuals need to see a specialist who could prescribe intervention.

Regardless of which kind of PAD you have, see a PAD specialist. It’s important to have the right diagnosis so your doctor can develop and prescribe a treatment plan that is right for you.

For More Information

Detection and treatment of PAD is important. You can better understand the different types and symptoms of PAD. Watch Dr. Anahita Dua, Vascular Surgeon with Mass General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, in “The Two Types of Peripheral Artery Disease Explained” brought to you by Take A Stand Against Amputation^® and The Way To My Heart, for more details about the two categories of PAD.

Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool so you can consult with a healthcare professional immediately if you think you might be at risk for PAD.

The Symptoms and Risks Factors of PAD

The Symptoms and Risks Factors of PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.

Would you recognize the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) even if you were experiencing them? Sometimes the signs of pain in your legs and feet are so gradual they’re easy to ignore.

But PAD can lead to amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) if left untreated! Dr. Kirk Minkus, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, warns about the consequences of missing the signs of PAD.

Watch Dr. Minkus in the video “Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors,” brought to you by Take A Stand Against Amputation^® and The Way To My Heart to learn more about this deadly disease.

Signs of Serious Health Problems

According to Dr. Minkus, “PAD is an affliction that affects the legs and can seriously restrict the amount of arterial blood flow that moves from your heart down to your toes and mainly, by way of the arterial vessels of your pelvis, your legs and your feet.”

PAD presents in a range of general symptoms, including:

Pain while walking
Limitation to how far you can walk
Pain and cramping in the calves or the legs
Discoloration of the feet and toes
Numbness in your feet or toes
Tingling in the legs or feet
Hair loss on the legs
Wounds that won’t heal
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene.

Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have a more serious health problem and dismiss the symptoms as the effects of getting older or as part of another condition.

For More Information

Do you want to discuss what you’ve learned about PAD with a healthcare professional? Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to talk to a PAD specialist today and prevent even the possibility of amputation.

The Importance of Angiograms

Angiograms can diagnose PAD and determine the best course of medical treatment

The Importance of Angiograms for Treating PAD

Too many people with peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.) have a toe, foot or leg amputatedTo have had all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) surgically removed. as their first-line treatment. “53% of the people in this country get amputations without getting diagnostic tests taken to see whether or not you can increase the blood supply to the leg,”^5,16 says Dr. Aaron Horne, an interventional cardiologist with HeartCare Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas.

It’s important that you research all possibilities before agreeing to an amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe). An angiogram can determine the viability of alternatives to an amputation like lifestyle changes, medical management, supervised exercise therapy or revascularizationThe restoration of the blood circulation to an organ or area, achieved by unblocking obstructed or disrupted blood vessels or by surgically implanting replacements. (including minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. procedures) for successful treatment. With the information provided by an angiogram, you and your doctor can make a more informed health care choice.

What is an angiogram?

Angiogram tests use X-rays to take a series of images of your blood vessels. A physician may use these imaging techniques:

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). A non-invasive type of MRI (magnetic resonance image) that looks specifically at the body’s blood vessels.
Computed Tomography angiography (CTA). This is another non-invasive test that combines a CT scan with the injection of a dye to create pictures of the blood vessels in the legs.
Catheter angiography. This minimally invasive procedure involves guiding a catheter through an arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. in your groin or wrist to the affected area and using X-rays to see how an injected dye flows through your arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body..

The importance of angiograms in determining a PAD treatment plan

Knowing the results of an angiogram can allow physicians more treatment options when they know the extent of blockages and how to restore blood flow. A health care provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Medical therapies such as cholesterol and blood pressure medications may also be prescribed.

“Early detection is extremely helpful to prevent patients from having the worst outcomes,” says Dr. Jihad Mustapha, Associate Professor of Medicine at Michigan State University. “With early detection, you can potentially avoid advanced or end-stage PAD such as critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI), which usually presents like an ulcerUlcers (or wounds) can occur when there is poor blood flow in your legs or feet. Poor blood flow causes cells to die and damages tissue, often on the feet and legs. These types of wounds can be slow-healing. on the foot or gangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene. on the foot.”

If a medical procedure is necessary, angiograms provide necessary data about the location and severity of the narrowed area of a blood vessel. Based on that information, a treatment plan for revascularization can then be developed.

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“Never agree to an amputation without an angiogram,” says Dr. Mustapha. “An angiogram alone increases your chances of not having an amputation by approximately 90%.”⁵

If you’ve been told you need an amputation, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to help explore the variety of PAD treatment options available.

The Importance of ABI Tests

ABI tests are important for PAD diagnosis and treatment

Why ABI Tests Are Important for PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Diagnosis and Treatment

Are you concerned that you’re at risk for peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD)? There are steps you can take to protect your health. You can maintain healthy lifestyle habits that may prevent the disease. You can also prevent the more serious complications of PAD through early detection and treatment.

PAD symptoms include:

Cold toes or feet
Pain while walking
Nighttime leg pain
Painful heavy legs
Numbness or burning sensations
Wounds that won’t heal
Dry, discolored skin
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene. or black tissue

Unfortunately, PAD frequently flies under the radar — as it’s the biggest disease that most people have never heard about. However, there’s a relatively simple diagnostic tool for PAD. The noninvasiveNoninvasive procedures don’t require a cut or incision through the skin. Standard eye exams or X-rays are examples of noninvasive procedures. ankle-brachial indexThis is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured at the ankle to that measured in the arm artery. It is sometimes also called the ankle-arm index. (ABI) helps healthcare professionals identify the level of risk for PAD and determine the most effective treatment.

PAD Detection and Treatment

An ABI takes as little as ten minutes. By using a blood pressure cuff, healthcare providers can compare the blood pressure in your ankles with the pressure in your arms. If it’s lower in an ankle than an arm, you may have PAD.

Your physician can determine next steps based on the ABI test results. Nonsurgical treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as exercise, dietary changes and quitting smoking as well as medical management. Minimally invasive endovascular procedures²⁰ — such as angioplastyIn this minimally invasive procedure, a small, hollow tube (catheter) is threaded through a blood vessel to the affected artery. A small balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to reopen the artery and flatten the blockage into the artery wall, while at the same time stretching the artery open to increase blood flow., atherectomyA minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries by using a device on the end of a catheter to remove atherosclerotic plaque (a deposit of fat and other substances that accumulate in the lining of the artery wall). or stents — or arterial bypass surgery may be necessary in more severe cases of PAD.

ABI tests are important because they can lead to treatment that can stop PAD from getting worse. Ignoring symptoms and putting off medical appointments could result in more serious forms of the disease. This form, called critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease., can result in amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) of a toe, foot or leg.

ABI tests are covered by most insurance plans for patients with PAD symptoms. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. recently introduced the Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act. The bipartisan bill would expand coverage for ABI tests and require Medicare, Medicaid and group health insurance plans to fully cover costs for PAD screening tests for at-risk beneficiaries.

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An ABI test is the best first step toward detecting and treating PAD. If you are worried about your or a loved one’s symptoms, insist that your doctor take an ABI.

Early detection of PAD can help relieve symptoms, avoid amputation, save your feet and legs and lead to a better quality of life. Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to find a PAD specialist to talk to today.