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Palatine Heart Center
523 Old Northwest Highway,
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone (847) 381-1200
Fax (847) 381-1904

Heart Lung Center
360 Station Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone (815) 477-8900
Fax (815) 477-7160

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside walls of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, internal organs and limbs. This buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked, which in turn reduces blood flow to that area of the body.

Types of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Carotid Artery Disease: Narrowing of one or both of the arteries in your neck. Blockages in these arteries can lead to stroke.
Subclavian Artery Disease: Narrowing of one or both of the arteries in your arms. Blockages in these arteries may lead to cramping in your arms.
Renal Artery Disease: Narrowing of one or both of the arteries that supply your kidneys. Blockages in these arteries can lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage.
Mesenteric Artery Disease: Narrowing of one or more of the arteries which are located in your abdomen. Blockages in these arteries can cause abdominal pain, cramping and weight loss.
Peripheral Arterial Disease of the legs: Narrowing of one or more of the arteries in your legs. Blockages in these arteries may lead to leg cramping, weakness and sores/ulcers on the legs.

To diagnose peripheral arterial disease, doctors start by doing a physical exam and asking questions about your past health and your risk factors. The most common risk factors for peripheral arterial disease include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

If your doctor feels that you may have or are at risk for peripheral arterial disease, he or she will likely order tests to look at the blood flow through your arteries. These tests may include ultrasounds, cat scans or possibly a peripheral angiogram.

Treatment of peripheral arterial disease includes medications, lifestyle changes and in some cases surgical interventions such as stents or vascular surgery.