Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects your circulation, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke and can result in eventual limb amputation. At Advanced Vascular Institute in Panama City, Florida, Ahmed Farag, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Farag takes a minimally invasive treatment approach that increases blood flow and improves the quality of life. Call Advanced Vascular Institute to schedule peripheral vascular disease treatment, or book your appointment online today.
What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive circulation disorder that causes narrowing or blockages in the blood vessels. These factors prevent blood from flowing through the arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. They can also prevent blood flow from reaching vital organs, such as your brain, increasing the risk of potentially serious complications.
What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease symptoms include:
Since peripheral vascular disease presents symptoms similar to other conditions, seeing a specialist is essential.
How is peripheral vascular disease diagnosed?
Various tests can diagnose PVD, including:
Angiogram
During an angiogram, X-rays are taken of your arteries and veins to detect narrowing or blockages. Before treatment, a contrast dye is injected, which makes your blood vessels visible in the X-ray images.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
This test compares the blood pressure in your arms to the blood pressure in your ankles. Assessing these numbers helps determine if the circulation to your legs and feet is abnormal.
Doppler ultrasound flow study
This test uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of your blood vessels and organs. It also helps Dr. Farag identify blockages that affect your circulation.
How is peripheral vascular disease treated?
At Advanced Vascular Institute, Dr. Farag treats peripheral vascular disease with an integrative and minimally invasive approach. He could suggest:
It might take several types of treatment, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Farag monitors your results at routine checkups and adjusts your care plan when needed.
What happens if peripheral vascular disease goes untreated?
Without treatment, peripheral vascular disease increases the risk of more serious health problems, including poor wound healing, severe pain, and mobility issues. People with PVD are also three times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Call Advanced Vascular Institute to schedule peripheral vascular disease treatment, or book your appointment online today.