Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) / Peripheral Vascular Diseases (PVD) in Waldorf, MD

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a circulation disorder that affect blood vessels outside the heart and brain. PVD that develops only in the arteries is called Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD develops most commonly as a result of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which occurs when cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance called plaque inside the arteries.

This is a very serious condition. The clogged arteries cause decreased blood flow to the arms, or more commonly, the legs. This can result in pain when walking and eventually gangrene and/or amputation.

youtube-video-thumbnail

*Rights reserved with the owner of the video

Signs and Symptoms:

The most common symptom of PAD is called intermittent claudication, which is painful cramping in the leg or hip that occurs when walking or exercising and typically disappears when the person stops the activity. Other symptoms include: numbness, tingling and weakness in the lower legs and feet, burning or aching pain in feet or toes when resting, sore on leg or foot that won’t heal, cold legs or feet, color changes in skin of legs or feet, hair loss on legs, pain in the legs or feet that wakes you up at night.

PVD that develops in the deep veins in the body is usually caused from claudication and is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Diagnosis:

In order to diagnose PVD, the physician will begin by taking a complete medical history and physical exam. Several tests may be used to diagnose PVD. They are:

  • Measuring the pulses in your legs and feet
  • Doppler ultrasound
  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
  • Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)
  • Angiography

Patient Testimonial

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound Scan

An Arterial Duplex Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging scan that uses sound waves to create a color map of the arteries in your leg(s) to identify narrowing of your vessels that may be causing leg pain when walking or at rest, ulcers of the foot, ankle, heel or toe(s), or skin discoloration.

Peripheral Angiograms:

arterial duplex

Abdominal aortograms with runoff are arteriograms of the lower abdominal aorta and arteries in the legs. This exam is often done when the patient has pain in the calf muscle after walking a short distance, discoloration of the toes or feet, non-healing wounds or ulcers, or a “cold” foot.

Treatment Options:

Once angiographic images have been obtained and problem areas identified, some of the methods we utilize to treat those diseased areas are Angioplasty, Thrombectomy, Atherectomy, or Stent placement.

Angioplasty uses a balloon catheter to open up a stenotic area (or area of narrowing) in a blood vessel.

Thrombectomy is a process in which thrombus (or clot) is mechanically removed from the body using specialized equipment.

Athrectomy refers to the mechanical removal of atheroma or atherosclerosis from the inside of the vessels in the body, using specialized catheters and equipment.

Stents are small metal scaffolds that can be placed in order to maximize the inner diameter of vessels and help to keep it open.

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease?

One of the most common symptoms of PAD is intermittent claudication, or painful cramping in the legs or hip that occurs during walking or exercising and disappears as soon as the activity is stopped. Other symptoms of PAD include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower legs and feet, burning or aching pain in feet or toes when resting, soreness on the leg or foot that won’t heal, cold legs or feet, color changes in the skin of legs or feet, hair loss on legs, pain in the legs or feet that wakes you up at night.

What Causes PVD and PAD?

The main cause of PVD is the build-up of fatty deposits which cause the narrowing of a blood vessel or artery. Risk factors that can cause this build-up are:

  • Smoking
  • Regularly breathing in second-hand smoke
  • Stress
  • Eating foods high in saturated fats
  • Lack of exercise
  • Unbalanced lifestyle

How Is PVD Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose PVD, the physician will begin by taking a complete medical history and physical exam of the prospective patient. Several tests may be used to diagnose PVD such as:

  • Measuring the pulses in your legs and feet
  • Doppler ultrasound
  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
  • Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)
  • Angiography

At Metropolitan Vascular Institute, we also use the following two methods to test and diagnose patients with PVD/PAD:

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound Scan

An Arterial Duplex Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging scan that uses sound waves to create a color map of the arteries in your leg(s) to identify narrowing of your vessels that may be causing leg pain when walking or at rest, ulcers of the foot, ankle, heel or toe(s), or skin discoloration.

Peripheral Angiograms

Abdominal aortograms with runoff are arteriograms of the lower abdominal aorta and arteries in the legs. This exam is often done when the patient has pain in the calf muscle after walking a short distance, discoloration of the toes or feet, non-healing wounds or ulcers, or a “cold” foot.

How Is PVD or PAD Treated?

Once angiographic images have been obtained and problem areas identified, some of the methods we utilize to treat those diseased areas are:

Angioplasty

Angioplasty uses a balloon catheter to open up a stenotic area (or area of narrowing) in a blood vessel.

Thrombectomy

Thrombectomy is a process in which a thrombus (or clot) is mechanically removed from the body using specialized equipment.

Atherectomy

Athrectomy refers to the mechanical removal of atheroma or atherosclerosis from the inside of the vessels in the body, using specialized catheters and equipment.

Stents

Stents are small metal scaffolds that can be placed in order to maximize the inner diameter of vessels and help to keep them open.

How Can Lifestyle Changes Impact the Progression of PAD/PVD?

Lifestyle changes can help you manage and slow the progression of PAD and PVD. Some examples of positive changes include:

  • Exercising regularly: Daily movement, such as walking, can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
  • Quitting smoking: Tobacco use constricts blood vessels and worsens PAD/PVD.
  • Managing chronic conditions: Medications and dietary changes can help you control conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Consistent lifestyle modifications can enhance overall vascular function. They can also reduce pain and improve mobility.

Are There Any Genetic Factors That Increase the Risk of Developing PAD/PVD?

Doctor holding a stethoscope with an EKG graph monitor in front of it.

A family history of cardiovascular disease can increase the likelihood of developing PAD and PVD. Certain inherited conditions, such as high cholesterol, can also contribute.

Genetic factors may influence how your body responds to risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking as well.

Understanding your family medical history and discussing it with your healthcare provider can help in the early detection and management of PAD/PVD.

What Dietary Modifications Can Help Manage PAD/PVD?

Dietary changes can significantly impact the management of PAD and PVD. A heart-healthy diet includes:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins
  • Healthy fats

Here are some additional modifications you may want to make:

Additionally, strive to maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and portion control. This is crucial for reducing the strain on your vascular system and improving overall health.

How Do PAD and PVD Affect Daily Activities and Mobility?

PAD and PVD can significantly impact daily activities and mobility. Some symptoms may worsen with physical activity, such as:

  • Leg pain
  • Cramping
  • Fatigue

When these symptoms get worse, they can make walking or climbing stairs challenging. In severe cases, even short distances can become difficult to cover. 

These conditions can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This further exacerbates symptoms and leads to a decline in overall health. 

Managing PAD/PVD through lifestyle changes, medication, and medical interventions can reduce symptoms and improve the ability to perform daily activities. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider. They will develop a personalized plan to maintain mobility and quality of life.

What Are the Potential Complications If PAD/PVD Is Left Untreated?

If PAD/PVD is left untreated, several serious complications can arise. The most immediate risk is the worsening of symptoms, such as increased pain and decreased mobility. 

Over time, untreated PAD/PVD can also lead to critical limb ischemia. This is a severe blockage in the arteries that reduces blood flow to the extremities. It can potentially result in ulcers, infections, and even gangrene, which might necessitate amputation. 

A stethoscope on a table next to a card that says “Peripheral Artery Disease”

There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, due to the same underlying atherosclerosis that causes PAD/PVD.

Why Choose Metropolitan Vascular Institute?

At Metropolitan Vascular Institute (MVI), you receive PAD and PVD treatment in our state-of-the-art, newly-built outpatient center in Waldorf, MD.

MVI offers various treatments for men’s and women’s health, vascular disease, kidney failure, and oncology. The modern, relaxed outpatient environment is designed for your comfort. We strive to make each visit a pleasant experience.

At MVI, you also benefit from a multi-specialty practice with experts who create comprehensive care plans tailored to your needs. The collaborative approach among our specialists ensures that all aspects of your condition are addressed.

Schedule a Client Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) / Peripheral Vascular Diseases (PVD) and treatments, please call (301) 374-8540 to schedule a consultation!

Get in Touch with Us

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 7:30am-5:00pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top