What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is a narrowing of the arteries anywhere outside of the heart. It most commonly affects the lower legs, where the arteries are narrower than those in the upper torso. The most common cause of PAD is a history of smoking and uncontrolled high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Patients with diabetes are also at high risk for developing PAD.
Early detection is the best. Any person greater than 50 with a history of diabetes or smoking is automatically screened. All patients over the age of 70 are screened yearly, regardless of health.
The basic screening examination is a Ankle-Brachial Index, which uses a handheld doppler with blood pressure cuffs around the ankles. This NON-INVASIVE screening test gives Dr. Lullove the basic knowledge to the advancement of this disease condition and if warranted, referral to an appropriate cardiologist or vascular surgeon for further evaluation.
The treatment of PAD is multi-specialty — no one doctor can manage this condition without the help of other doctors involved in the patient’s care. This may involve a podiatrist, endovascular cardiologist, internal medicine, infectious disease and vascular surgery.
Call Dr. Lullove to schedule an appointment to be screened or if you have more questions, please call the office at 561-989-9780.