Did you know that the same plaque buildup that reduces blood flow in the arteries feeding your heart can also affect the vessels supplying vital, nutrient-rich blood to your legs and feet?
Known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), this progressive condition affects over 8.5 million Americans and can greatly impair circulation to your legs. This causes debilitating symptoms that include varying degrees of pain, decreased mobility, and slow-to-heal skin ulcers and infections.
The specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants, with locations in New Hyde Park on Long Island; and Forest Hills, Rochdale, Jamaica, and Richmond Hill, in Queens, New York, are well-known for their expertise at treating circulatory issues such as PAD.
Read what these highly skilled medical professionals have to say about PAD and why minimally invasive atherectomy may be your best option for restoring vital blood flow to peripheral arteries.
Unlike the coronary arteries, which carry oxygenated blood to your heart muscle, peripheral arteries supply blood to your abdomen, legs, and other areas away from or “peripheral” to your heart.
PAD causes narrowing of these vital blood vessels and most commonly affects the arteries that feed your legs.
Caused by the same conditions that can damage coronary arteries, such as plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) related to elevated cholesterol, PAD can lead to symptoms such as:
Left untreated, PAD can lead to life-threatening infection (gangrene) and eventually result in limb amputation.
Treatments for PAD are often similar to those recommended for coronary artery disease. Depending on the extent of the disease and underlying cause, your therapy may include:
Another effective treatment for PAD is atherectomy, which is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment your Premier Cardiology provider may recommend to clear a blocked artery and restore normal blood flow.
During the atherectomy procedure, the doctor clears plaque from the affected artery via a catheter (small tube) that’s inserted through a needle puncture into the artery. Traditionally, doctors use a variety of methods to clear the artery, including cutting away the blockage with tiny blades.
At Premier Cardiology, though, we often recommend laser atherectomy. This technique uses advanced laser technology to essentially vaporize the blockage and restore blood flow. We prefer this method because it’s highly effective, requires only local anesthesia, and allows you to return to normal activities within a day or two.
For the most effective cardiac care available, including innovative treatment for PAD, call us at any of our locations or schedule an evaluation online. We’re here to help.
