Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Diagnosis & Treatment
Peripheral artery disease, commonly called PAD, is a circulation problem that develops when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Many people first notice symptoms while walking, such as leg pain, heaviness, or cramping that improves with rest. Others may not realize they have PAD until circulation becomes more severely affected.
At Cardioclinic, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for peripheral artery disease for patients throughout the Houston area, including Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, Rosenberg, Pearland, and Houston.
Because PAD is closely linked to cardiovascular disease, early diagnosis is important not only for improving circulation in the legs, but also for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious complications.
Same-week appointments are available for patients needing timely vascular evaluation.
What Causes PAD?
Peripheral artery disease develops when fatty plaque builds up inside the arteries, limiting blood flow to the limbs.
Risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Coronary artery disease
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Older age
Many patients with PAD also have underlying heart disease or vascular disease in other parts of the body.
How Peripheral Artery Disease Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing PAD starts with understanding symptoms, circulation patterns, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Testing may include:
- Physical examination and pulse evaluation
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
- Ultrasound imaging of blood vessels
- Circulation testing
- CT or angiographic imaging in selected cases
Our goal is to determine:
- How severe the blockage is
- Which arteries are affected
- Whether symptoms are stable or progressing
Proper diagnosis helps guide the safest and most effective treatment plan.
PAD Is Often Connected to Heart Disease
One important thing many patients do not realize is that PAD is frequently associated with cardiovascular disease elsewhere in the body.
Patients with PAD may also have:
- Coronary artery disease
- Increased stroke risk
- Carotid artery disease
- Diabetes-related vascular complications
That is why treatment focuses not only on leg circulation, but also on protecting long-term cardiovascular health overall.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
PAD symptoms can develop gradually and are often mistaken for aging, muscle strain, or poor conditioning.
Common symptoms include:
- Leg pain or cramping while walking
- Pain that improves with rest
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Cold feet or lower legs
- Slow-healing sores on the feet or legs
- Changes in skin color or hair growth on the legs
- Weak pulse in the feet
In more advanced cases, circulation may become severely limited, increasing the risk of tissue damage or non-healing wounds.
Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease
Treatment depends on symptom severity, circulation levels, and overall cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle & Risk Reduction
Many patients benefit significantly from:
- Smoking cessation
- Walking and supervised exercise programs
- Blood pressure control
- Cholesterol management
- Diabetes management
Medication Management
Medications may be used to:
- Improve blood flow
- Reduce clotting risk
- Lower cholesterol
- Control blood pressure
Interventional Treatment
When circulation becomes significantly limited, advanced treatment may be necessary.
Procedures may include:
- Catheter-based vascular intervention
- Angioplasty
- Stent placement
- Advanced circulation restoration procedures
Early treatment can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and lower the risk of complications.
When Should You See a Cardiologist for PAD?
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Leg pain when walking
- Worsening circulation symptoms
- Non-healing foot wounds
- Coldness or discoloration in the feet
- Known vascular disease requiring follow-up
Many patients ignore symptoms for too long because they assume the discomfort is related to aging or arthritis. In reality, circulation problems can worsen over time if left untreated.
PAD Treatment Available Near You
Cardioclinic provides peripheral artery disease evaluation and treatment at all locations:
- Richmond (Aliana), TX
- Fulshear, TX
- Rosenberg / Richmond, TX
- Pearland, TX
- Houston, TX
- Sugar Land, TX
- PAD Treatment Wharton TX
๐ Find a Location Near You
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Frequently Asked Questions About PAD
Is leg pain always caused by PAD?
No. Leg pain can have many causes, but circulation problems should be evaluated, especially if symptoms occur during walking.
Can PAD become serious?
Yes. Severe PAD can increase the risk of wounds, infection, and major cardiovascular complications if left untreated.
Does everyone with PAD need surgery?
No. Many patients improve with lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive treatment.
Is PAD related to smoking?
Yes. Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for peripheral artery disease.
Schedule a Circulation & Vascular Evaluation
If you are experiencing leg pain, circulation problems, or symptoms of peripheral artery disease, Cardioclinic provides comprehensive vascular and cardiovascular care across the Houston area.
๐ Call us today at (346) 279-2221 or visit our nearest location in Sugar Land, Houston, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Pearland, Katy, or Wharton, TX to schedule your cardiac stress test.