Are you one of the 8 million Americans affected by PAD? This causes symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking (claudication).Peripheral artery di… Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. They use this test to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The top number in the reading measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure). Call for Additional Assistance
Your doctor may ask:If you're a smoker, it's never too soon to quit smoking. Anyone with symptoms or signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD) should be tested. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.Your time with your doctor may be limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. Although invasive, this type of angiography allows for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are having symptoms of PAD so the cause of your symptoms can be identified and treatment can be initiated as soon as possible. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. During a vascular ultrasound, a transducer (small hand- held device) is placed on the skin over the artery to be examined. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Peripheral artery disease (also called peripheral arterial disease) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs.When you develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), your extremities — usually your legs — don't receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of complications.If you have signs or symptoms of peripheral artery disease, you likely will need additional medical treatment. Ankle-brachial index (ABI). If you can't avoid the cold, be sure to dress in warm layers.You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a claudication exercise rehabilitation program.In addition to the above suggestions, take good care of your feet. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a blood circulation disorder that causes the blood vessels outside of your heart and brain to narrow, block, or spasm. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Some of the tests your doctor may rely on to diagnose peripheral artery disease are: 1. However, you may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of blood vessels (vascular specialist) or a doctor who specializes in the heart and circulatory system (cardiologist).Because appointments can be brief and there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to arrive well-prepared. A graft can be a blood vessel (vein) from another part of the body or a man-made substitute (graft).In some cases, angioplasty or surgery may be necessary to treat peripheral artery disease that's causing claudication:Your doctor may also insert a mesh framework called a stent in the artery to help keep it open. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and control pain and other symptoms.The goal for people who have peripheral artery disease is to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, to less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 2.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). When you have this condition, it means you have blockages in the arteries of your arms and legs… Follow this advice to care for your feet:The blood-thinning effects of ginkgo may allow people with intermittent claudication to walk longer distances with less pain. Other healthy lifestyle habits you can immediately adopt are eating less saturated fat and adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to all areas of the body. Regular exercise improves symptoms of PAD in a number of ways, including helping your body use oxygen more efficiently.Many people can manage the symptoms of peripheral artery disease and stop the progression of the disease through lifestyle changes, especially quitting smoking. As you continue exercising, you'll increase the distance you can walk without pain.You may find it helpful to raise the head of your bed by 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), because keeping your legs below the level of your heart usually lessens pain.Another tip for reducing your symptoms is to avoid cold temperatures as much as possible. To stabilize or improve PAD:If you're having trouble quitting on your own, ask your doctor about smoking cessation options, including medications to help you quit.Your doctor can help you develop an appropriate exercise plan.