Clinical Care and Services
PAD is a common problem of the circulatory system that results in the narrowing of the arteries, most often caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), and leads to reduced blood flow in the lower limbs. In severe cases, PAD can progress and lead to critical limb ischemia (CLI), causing pain, non-healing ulcers, and may result in the need for amputation. Common testing, therapy, and procedures include:
- PAD diagnostic services including ankle brachial index/pulse volume recordings and segmental pressures, plethysmography, transcutaneous oximetry, ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, and peripheral angiography
- Renal artery stenting for refractory hypertension
- Peripheral angiography with angioplasty, stenting, intravascular lithotripsy, atherectomy for claudication or critical limb ischemia
- Carotid stenting for carotid stenosis
- Subclavian stenting for subclavian steal
- Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) stenting for mesenteric ischemia
Risk Factors and Referral Candidates
Recognized risk factors for peripheral arterial disease parallel those related to coronary artery disease and include:
- Tobacco use
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
- Elevated cholesterol levels (dyslipidemia)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Men and women age 65 and older without other risk factors; age 50 and older with presence of risk factors
- Family history of peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, or cerebrovascular disease
