Early detection of peripheral arterial disease can help prevent more than just amputation
The biggest risk for Peripheral Artery disease is smoking
Doctors advise people to walk, eat a healthy diet and take proper medication for diabetes and high blood pressure
KARIMNAGAR, APRIL 22, 2025: Doctors at the Yashoda Hospital, Secunderabad, have successfully performed complex vascular surgery on a 52-year-old patient, who was suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), foot ulcer etc.
The Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), is a circulatory problem characterised by narrowed arteries, typically in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow. This condition is often caused by atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up on the artery walls. PAD can cause leg pain, especially during walking (claudication), and can progress to more serious complications like poor circulation and slow-healing wounds.
Under the supervision of Yashoda Hospital Vascular Surgeon Dr D Prabhakar, who is also a senior consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon, diabetic foot specialist, has treated a patient, N Krishnamurthy, from Elkathurthi mandal of Hanamkonda district who approached the Yashoda hospital for treatment of leg pains, sores and wounds in the foot. Through ultrasound scanning tests, the doctors detected the blood flow getting down to the legs and ankles and the location of the blockage.
Vascular Surgeon Dr Prabhakar removed or bypassed the blockage through minimally invasive procedures such as balloon angioplasty or stenting and other surgical procedures. By diagnosing patients early, we may prevent patients from ever developing severe disease or undergoing amputation, he stated.
Enlightening the people about the symptoms of PAD, Dr Prabhakar said the earliest symptom of PAD is cramping of the calves when walking. Many times, patients will avoid walking because of the cramping. As the blockages worsen, the blood flow to the legs decreases. When blood flow has worsened to the point of persistent pain or sores that will not heal, patients are at a high risk for amputation if the PAD is not treated.
The Vascular surgeon advised the people to stop smoking, start walking, maintain a healthy diet and follow medications for diabetes and high blood pressure patients, such as taking statins (to lower cholesterol), anti-platelet drugs to reduce blood clotting, etc.
