Peripheral Artery Disease Doctor Miami Talks PAD Treatment Options South Florida Arterial and Vascular Specialist Dr. Adam Gropper

Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD is a condition where arteries that carry blood to the extremities, arms and legs, become narrow or clogged with plaque. This interferes with the normal flow of blood to an artery. The most common cause of PAD is Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. This is a gradual process where cholesterol and scar tissue build up forming plaque which clogs the blood vessels. Sometimes PAD is also caused by blood clots.

The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent painful cramping in the leg or hip when walking, called claudication. The pain can go away when the legs are at rest and the muscles relax. Other symptoms could include numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. If you have PAD you are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke, so make sure to see your doctor if you have symptoms. Due to the aging population in Miami and South Florida, there tends to be a higher percentage of people with Peripheral Arterial Disease than in other areas of the country.

You can have a simple test called an ABI to determine if you have PAD. The blood pressure in your arms and ankles is checked using a regular blood pressure cuff and a special ultrasound stethoscope called a Doppler. The pressure in your foot is compared to your arm to determine how well your blood is flowing.

Among lifestyle changes similar to those for heart disease and stroke, like diet and exercise as well as quitting smoking if you are a smoker, there are other treatment options as well. You have the option of medication to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. There are also a few ways physicians can open blood vessels and restore normal blood flow. Dr Gropper can consult with you about what PAD treatment options are best for you. In many cases procedures can be performed without surgery, like angioplasty where a balloon is inflated to open the blood vessel, Atherectomy where a tiny catheter removes the plaque from inside the artery, stents which are tiny metal cylinders inserted in the blood vessel to hold it open, and stent-grafts where a stent covered with synthetic fabric is inserted to bypass diseased arteries.

PAD is a serious disease where diagnosis and treatment can literally save your life. All of these options are available with a consult with Dr Gropper.

If you are seeking a diagnosis for or treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) call our Miami office now at (305) 957-7277 to ask any questions you may have or schedule a consultation. Or you may use the form on this page above to ask or schedule with us.