Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common but often overlooked circulatory condition that affects the arteries outside the heart and brain — most commonly those supplying the legs. It develops when these arteries become narrowed or blocked, typically due to a build-up of fatty deposits known as atherosclerosis.

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we aim to raise awareness of PAD, offer precise diagnosis, and provide tailored treatment plans to restore circulation and prevent serious complications like heart attack or stroke.

🫀 What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD is a form of vascular disease where plaque builds up inside the arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs. While it may begin with mild symptoms, PAD is a sign of widespread arterial disease and a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events.

In many cases, patients don't notice the problem until it starts to interfere with everyday activities like walking. But PAD isn’t just about discomfort in the legs — it’s a warning sign that your entire circulatory system could be compromised.

🚨 Common Symptoms of PAD

PAD symptoms vary depending on the severity of the blockage. The most common early symptom is intermittent claudication — leg pain or cramping that occurs during walking and disappears with rest. Other symptoms include:

• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared to the other side
• Sores on the feet or toes that don’t heal
• Shiny skin or loss of hair on the legs
• Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet
• Erectile dysfunction in men (especially with diabetes)

In advanced stages, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, a serious condition where blood flow is so restricted that tissues begin to die — possibly leading to amputation if untreated.

🧬 Causes and Risk Factors

The leading cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, the gradual hardening and narrowing of arteries due to cholesterol and fat deposits. Risk factors include:

• Smoking – the most significant preventable risk factor
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Age over 50
• Family history of vascular disease

PAD is more common than many realize, particularly among older adults, and often coexists with coronary artery disease.

🧪 How PAD Is Diagnosed

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we use several reliable tools to detect PAD and assess the extent of arterial blockage:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) – compares blood pressure in the ankle with the arm to detect reduced flow
• Doppler Ultrasound – to visualize blood flow in the arteries
• CT or MR Angiography – for more detailed imaging of the vascular system
• Exercise stress testing – to monitor how blood flow responds to activity

These tests help us confirm the diagnosis and plan the most effective course of treatment.

🛠️ Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease

The goal of PAD treatment is to relieve symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent heart attack or stroke. Your treatment plan may include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking — the single most important step.
• Exercise regularly, particularly walking programs to improve circulation.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Manage diabetes and blood pressure effectively.

2. Medications

• Antiplatelets like aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent clots.
• Statins to lower cholesterol.
• Blood pressure medications to reduce artery stress.
• Cilostazol or pentoxifylline to improve walking distance and reduce leg pain.

3. Interventional Procedures

• Angioplasty – a minimally invasive technique to open narrowed arteries using a balloon or stent.
• Bypass surgery – creating a graft around the blocked artery to restore blood flow.
• Atherectomy – removing plaque from the artery walls.

Our expert team evaluates each patient’s condition individually and recommends the safest, most effective option.

🧍‍♂️ Don’t Ignore the Signs — Your Legs Could Be Telling You Something About Your Heart

PAD is more than leg pain. It’s a marker of systemic atherosclerosis — a silent, progressive condition that can affect your heart, brain, and kidneys.

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we provide comprehensive PAD screening, management, and education to help you stay ahead of cardiovascular risks. If you experience symptoms or have risk factors, don’t wait — early detection saves lives and limbs.