If you experience pain in your legs or feet when walking, the cause could be peripheral artery disease (PAD). The terms “peripheral artery disease” and “peripheral vascular disease” (PVD) may both be used to describe the same condition. Regardless of the term used, the symptoms of PAD and PVD mimic those of other conditions, so it often goes undiagnosed.
PAD occurs when the peripheral arteries, which carry blood away from the heart and throughout the body, narrow and reduce blood flow. The most common form is called lower-extremity PAD, which affects blood flow to the legs and feet. Although much less common, upper-extremity PAD – which decreases blood flow to arms, hands and fingers – can also occur.
Specialists at the Comprehensive Vascular Clinic at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute provide expert care to Central Kentuckians with PAD and PVD. They do this by using the latest diagnostic tests and treatments.
Some people who have PAD/PVD do not experience any symptoms. However, about 1 in 4 people with the condition do have symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs:
- Muscle cramps, heaviness or pain that appear in your legs when walking or climbing stairs and go away within minutes when resting. Pain is usually in the calf but can also be in your foot, thigh or buttocks.
- One foot feels colder than the other.
- Toenails and leg hair stop growing.
- You have a “pins and needles” feeling in your foot or leg.
- You have sores or wounds on your feet or legs that heal very slowly or not at all.
- Your leg feels numb or weak, making it harder to walk.
- Your leg or foot looks discolored or pale.
PAD/PVD is caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on artery walls. Plaque is a fatty substance made up of cholesterol, fat and calcium. Smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are common causes of plaque buildup.
Atherosclerosis is also the cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart. CAD is the most common type of heart disease and can lead to heart attack.
Following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent PAD/PVD from developing. Doing so includes:
- Following a heart-healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Lowering stress
- Managing other health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Not smoking or quitting if you do smoke, as well as avoiding secondhand smoke
- Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight
Risk factors for PAD/PVD include lifestyle habits as well as factors you can’t control. Risk factors include:
- Age: The risk increases with age.
- Family history: If PAD/PVD, heart disease or stroke runs in your family, you are at higher risk.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, stress, eating foods high in saturated fat and lack of physical activity can all raise your risk.
- Other conditions: Having diabetes, blood clot disorders, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels or obesity can increase the risk of PAD/PVD.
No cure exists for PAD/PVD. But for most people, making healthy lifestyle changes and taking medicine can slow disease progression and even reverse symptoms. However, without treatment and management, PAD and PVD can reduce mobility and make it harder to manage daily activities. It also can lead to serious issues, such as:
- Chronic poor blood flow in the leg: Critical limb ischemia can develop, which can lead to death of tissue and amputation in severe cases.
- Infections: Sores on the feet can become infected and spread if not treated promptly.
- Sudden drop in blood flow to the leg: Called acute limb ischemia, this is a medical emergency.
PAD also puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
In most cases, your first visit to UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and managing your vascular condition.
Diagnosing vascular disease is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all the information that can help pinpoint the source of your vascular issue.
Along with discussing your medical history, you will undergo a physical examination. Your care team will then be able to determine the proper next step to take on your diagnostic journey.
When appropriate, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. These tests typically take place on a different day, and your care team helps schedule them at your convenience. In some cases, you will undergo an ultrasound or other testing as part of your initial visit.
When coming to your first vascular appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medications or supplements you take. You should also list any previous surgeries, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier for your team to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink normally. In most cases, you won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions. If specialized testing is part of your first visit, a team member will call to explain any dietary restrictions to follow for your visit. We will also mail you a letter with instructions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are
UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is located at 740 S. Limestone on the fifth floor, wing D, room L-504.
Where to park
Please park in the parking garage across the street, which is located at 140 Huguelet Drive. For easiest access, drive to the back of the garage and use one of the parking spots reserved for patients of the Comprehensive Vascular Clinic. Once inside, you can access further assistance at the information desk. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Our vascular care experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond improve their vascular health every day. To improve the future of treatment and management of vascular conditions, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, our staff engages in trials for new treatments and devices that provide better treatment and management of vascular conditions. By offering access to clinical trials, we provide access to vascular treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
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