Vascular diseases like peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often go undiagnosed.
Our skilled vascular and vein team at Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville, TN, wants you to understand that untreated PAD can be dangerous. It can lead to coronary artery disease and carotid atherosclerosis, both can increase your risk for stroke and heart attack.
Blockages and blood clots in the arteries can also lead to non-healing foot skin ulcers and possible leg amputations.
Diagnosing and treating PAD early on is an important key in preventing serious issues later on.
Symptoms to watch out for
The following are PAD indicators you should discuss with your healthcare provider:
• Diabetic
• Smoker or a history of smoking
• Leg pain when walking
• Leg cramping or pain that interferes with sleep
• Leg or foot sores that don’t heal
• High blood cholesterol (240 mg/dL and above)
• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg)
If three of these indicators are true to you, it’s important to see a vascular specialist for proper assessment and diagnosis.
When detected early, PAD can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. If your symptoms don’t improve with these measures, treatment (such as endovascular therapy or vascular surgery) may be recommended.
Our vascular experts at Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville can assess your condition and determine the most appropriate course of action.
We are East Tennessee’s ONLY team of board-certified vascular surgeons and we do offer PAD screening.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! PAD can be managed, especially if we detect and treat it early. Call us at (865) 588-8229 or visit https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/ to schedule an appointment.
View our PAD checklist here.