Peripheral Artery Blockages

Your arteries carry blood rich in oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. When the arteries in your legs become blocked, your legs do not receive enough blood or oxygen, and you may have a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes called leg artery disease. Blockage may occur in the aorta within the abdomen before it branches to the legs, or between the upper and lower leg where the artery is exposed to a degree of stress. PAD can cause discomfort or pain when you walk. The pain can occur in your hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, shins, or upper feet.

What Causes PAD?

Atherosclerosis causes peripheral artery disease. As you get older, your risk of developing leg artery disease increases. People older than age 50 have an increased risk of developing the disease, and men have a greater risk than women. Other factors that increase your chances of developing the disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, high levels of homocysteine (an amino acid in your blood) and weighing over 30 percent more than your ideal weight.

How is PAD Treated?

If your peripheral artery disease is detected early, you can make lifestyle changes to help you manage your disease. Your physician may also recommend medication to treat conditions that worsen or complicate leg artery disease. In some cases, your physician may recommend angioplasty and stenting. This procedure is considered to be minimally invasive in comparison to open surgery. In more severe cases, bypass or endarterectomy (a procedure to remove plaque from the artery) may be required.

Dr. Messner will be happy to discuss the best option for your individual case.