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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when fatty plaque builds up on the inside walls of blood vessels in your feet (and sometimes arms), restricting or blocking the normal flow of blood. Treatment for PAD aims to relieve painful symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and minimize complications.
Find a Doctor at Dignity Health to discuss your best options for peripheral artery disease treatment in the Bay Area. No matter your vascular condition, we can provide the personalized cardiovascular treatment you need.
PAD can cause serious complications if left untreated, including the formation of blood clots. Loose plaque inside your arteries can cause blood clots to form and, in the worst case, completely block a blood vessel. With limited or no blood supply, tissue in your feet or legs can die, leading to the amputation of a limb.
To avoid such complications, your doctor can recommend the following common treatments for PAD:
The severity of your disease, your specific symptoms, and your personal preference will guide your doctor in forming the best treatment plan for you. Most people affected by PAD need to make at least minor lifestyle changes. A Dignity Health doctor can help you find good strategies for making more difficult changes, such as quitting smoking.
Surgical procedures for PAD are generally considered safe. However, every surgery carries the risk of complications. Discuss the goals, risks, and benefits of any recommended PAD treatment with your doctor.
PAD causes painful symptoms and can lead to problems walking, or complete loss of mobility. Leading a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent PAD. Here are a few ways that you can reduce your risk factors:
Dignity Health offers advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments, including peripheral artery disease treatments, in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.