Lower Extremity Arterial Disease – Atherosclerosis
Condition
We can help discover the root cause of leg pain, and treat it accordingly with minimally invasive procedures
What is Lower Extremity Arterial Disease?
Arterial disease of the lower extremities is caused by Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of calcified plaques in the artery walls, which can restrict blood flow.
The plaque can burst, triggering a blood clot. Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in your body, especially your leg arteries. We call this condition of decreased blood flow to the legs: peripheral artery disease or lower-extremity arterial disease.
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The risk factors are:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Presence of atherosclerosis in other areas of your body
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What are the symptoms of Lower Extremity Arterial Disease?
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Painful cramping in one or both of your hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. The pain in the leg when walking causing the patient to stop and rest, is called claudication.
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The reason for the muscular pain is the inability of the leg artery to provide sufficient oxygenated blood to the working muscle. Often, patients have no discomfort at rest, only with exercise. In more severe cases, pain at rest may occur.
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Leg numbness or weakness
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Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
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Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
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A change in the color of your legs, especially the toes
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What imaging/ tests are done to diagnose Lower Extremity Arterial Disease?
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Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index
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Echo-Doppler Ultrasound examination of the leg arteries
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Angio-CT scan of the arteries of the legs
What intervention/ treatment can be performed for Lower Extremity Arterial Disease?
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Minimally invasive Angioplasty
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Balloon Dilatation and stent insertion
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Surgical Bypass operation
What intervention/ treatment does CardioCare offer for Lower Extremity Arterial Disease?
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Minimally invasive Angioplasty
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Balloon Dilatation and stent insertion
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Surgical Bypass operation
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