Caring for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Northern California
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a form of cardiovascular disease primarily caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Symptoms of leg or arm pain are the result of reduced blood flow to these areas.
The best way to prevent PAD is to develop a lifestyle plan with your doctor that includes exercise and a heart-healthy diet. If you’d like to meet with a cardiologist about PAD symptoms in Northern California, use our online search tool and Find a Doctor today.
At Dignity Health North State, our cardiology services are provided with your personal needs in mind. Visit a location near you:
PAD Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD can include:
- Bluish tint of the skin on the legs
- Numbness or leg pain that gets worse when feet are elevated
- Leg sores that develop for no reason
- Pain in the toes
- Slow-healing leg sores or wounds
- Leg cramps at night
- Fatigue or pain with walking
If you suspect any of these symptoms, meet with a Dignity Health North State cardiovascular specialist for a diagnosis. If you need further care, your doctor will personalize your treatment to fit your needs and preferences.
PAD Causes
Cardiovascular disease, specifically the buildup of plaque inside the arteries of the legs (and sometimes the arms), is the primary reason for PAD.
Risk factors for developing PAD include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes (including type 2 diabetes)
- High cholesterol
- Kidney disease
- Smoking
- History of heart disease
Take our quick, free online assessment to learn more about your risk of developing a condition like PAD, then talk to your doctor about the results.
PAD Treatment & Prevention at Dignity Health North State
After a diagnosis of PAD, initial treatment may focus on helping you or a loved one transition from certain lifestyle habits to new ones. This may include:
- Maintaining a heart-healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Treating existing heart diseases
- Promptly treating leg sores or wounds
- Getting regular aerobic exercise
If the condition is very severe, treatment may require an angioplasty to widen the damaged arteries with stents, in order to allow blood to keep flowing and prevent clogs and blood clots. If there are any hardened obstructions in the arteries, surgery may be needed to remove them.
Dignity Health North State doctors work to create customized prevention and treatment plans centered around improving and maintaining good heart health. Talk with your doctor about a heart-healthy lifestyle to stay active.
Dignity Health North State offers complete cardiology services for peripheral artery disease in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.