Peripheral Arterial Disease

The buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the lining of arteries.

Peripheral arterial disease is caused by atherosclerosis which is the buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the lining of arteries. This process has a genetic basis. It is made worse by factors such as smoking, diabetes and poorly controlled cholesterol and hypertension. In peripheral artery disease (PAD), the plaque buildup causes blood flow restriction to legs and other affected organs. With the progression of PAD induced flow restriction, blood flow cannot keep up with limb’s resting demands for oxygen and nutrients. This causes leg cramps and may lead to non-healing wounds. Arterial blockages are the leading cause of limb amputations due to non-healing leg ulcers/wounds that lead to infection and gangrene. If you have PAD, you are also at higher risk for having heart disease and stroke. Download PAD Brochure

Patient Testimonial

For several months my ankles and legs were very swollen and getting worse, my doctor referred me to Dr. Iqbal. They took one look at me and new exactly what had happened. I have my life back! Pain is gone, swelling is gone. I don’t have to hide my legs. Extra bonus & significant improvement in my restless leg syndrome- which is very advanced.

-Judy W.

The results, more than I expected. Improvement in restless leg syndrome, fantastic side benefit!

For the first time in a few years, I was able to enjoy time with family, I feel amazing, my legs are so much better. I was able to walk around the lake, without swelling and pain.

-Dawn M.

My legs ached and my gait was wobbly & off. Just a week after surgery I noticed a difference. Then two days ago I had my right leg done- already I see a difference. I have no more pain in my legs- WOW! My follow up dopplers were done with care and warmth.

-Judith W.

I am now able to walk without pain. My leg doesn’t swell like it used to. I can do so much more, I am so thankful for the doctors and staff, they are wonderful.

-Christine G.

Before receiving care, at VIA my legs hurt very badly most of the day, and I had increasingly bad tingling and pain after an activity, since treatment the pain has greatly decreased, the heavy feeling has decreased and as a bonus some of the uglier veins have reduced in size.

-Genna A.

Symptoms

Calf, leg or buttock pain (claudication) while walking.
The pain stops at rest and resumes at a predictable distance.
Leg weakness, burning or aching feet in feet or toes worse with walking.
Sores or ulcers on toes, feet or legs that do not heal after four weeks of local wound treatment.
Change in color or feet, loss of hair and wasting of muscles in the legs.

Download Amputation Prevention Brochure

Treatment

Lifestyle modification (smoking cessation, diet, exercise, weight loss)
Medical therapy (medications)
Endovascular treatment
- Involves use of tiny catheters and instruments inserted into arteries through tiny puncture in the groin or leg to treat blocked artery and restore blood flow. This minimally invasive treatment does not require hospitalization or general anesthesia and is performed at an outpatient facility. Techniques used:
  - Angioplasty
  - Stenting
  - Atherectomy (orbital, laser, directional, rotational)
Surgery

What is Angiogram?

Angiogram is an X-ray examination that is used to evaluate arteries throughout the body. A thin tube (a catheter) is inserted into one of the arteries through a very small puncture in the skin, about the size of a pencil tip. Contrast (X-ray dye) is then injected into the artery while X-rays are taken of the area. The contrast makes the artery visible on the X-rays. One of the most common reasons for an angiogram is to find out if a blocked artery is causing symptoms. An angiogram can determine exactly where the blood vessel is obstructed, how severe the blockage is, and what is causing it. Angiogram may be needed to supplement other medical tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance (MR).