Peripheral artery disease (PAD) or peripheral vascular disease is a slow and progressive circulation disorder affecting the arteries that supply the legs or arms with blood. PAD is usually caused by atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to an abnormal narrowing and blockage of the arteries.
About 7 million people have peripheral artery disease in the United States. PAD is frequently found in people with coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular specialists at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Heart & Vascular Center provide comprehensive and innovative care to patients who require treatment for PAD.
Our multidisciplinary team of vascular medicine physicians, vascular and endovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists and nurses, as well as other health care professionals, collaborates closely to offer each patient a diagnostic evaluation and precise treatment plan. Treatment includes medical therapies to reduce the complications of atherosclerosis and improve symptoms, and state-of-the-art vascular techniques, such as thrombolytic therapy, peripheral artery angioplasty and stenting, and peripheral bypass surgery.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of peripheral arterial disease, including:
Half of patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease are symptom free. For those experiencing symptoms, the most common is intermittent claudication in the calf (painful leg cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest). During rest, the muscles need less blood flow, so the pain disappears. It may occur in one or both legs, depending on the location of the clogged or narrowed artery.
Other symptoms of peripheral artery disease include:
Our vascular specialists provide expert evaluation and diagnosis with the aid of the latest in advanced imaging technologies. Along with performing a careful physical examination, your physician may order one or more of the following tests or procedures:
Specialists in our Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery develop individualized treatment plans for patients based on:
There are two main goals for treatment of peripheral arterial disease: control the symptoms and halt the progression of the disease to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
Treatment may include:
Lifestyle modifications to control risk factors
Medication
Procedures
Surgery
The Heart & Vascular Center is located in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, across the street from BWH’s main 75 Francis Street entrance. The Heart & Vascular Center brings together the full range of services in one location, fostering seamless and coordinated care for all cardiovascular patients.
If you are having surgery or a procedure, you will likely be scheduled for a visit to the Watkins Clinic for pre-operative information and tests.
The day of surgery, you care will be provided by vascular and endovascular surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in surgery for patients with peripheral artery disease. After surgery, you will go to the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care by an experienced surgical and nursing staff.
During your surgery, family and friends can wait in the Shapiro Family Center. Staff members will provide surgery updates and caregivers who leave the hospital will be contacted by cell phone.
Patients benefit from the teamwork of vascular and endovascular surgeons, medical cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular imaging experts and radiologists, and anesthesiologists, all experts in peripheral artery disease. They work alongside nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients.
Learn more about peripheral artery disease in our health library.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center where patients and families can access computers and knowledgeable staff.
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