The peripheral vascular system (arteries and veins) refers to any blood vessels outside of the heart or brain. Peripheral artery disease is the common term used to describe the condition where arteries of the legs have become blocked or narrowed by the build up of fatty deposits. The usual symptoms of PAD include pain in the legs, numbness and tingling in the legs, burning feeling in the feet or toes, and the feet feeling cold. The main risk factors for PAD are similar to those for coronary artery disease, that is, family history, smoking, diabetes, overweight, high blood pressure, and high blood pressure.

The carotid arteries are located in the neck, one on the right side and one on the left side. These arteries may become blocked or narrowed by fatty deposits as well. Typical symptoms of carotid artery disease include visual disturbances, weakness or numbness on one side of the face or in one arm or leg, loss of coordination, and dizziness.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Peripheral vascular disease can be diagnosed with imaging studies, such as ultrasonography and MRI. The ultrasound test is performed at California Cardiac Imaging Center. The treatments for peripheral vascular disease include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, stent placement, plaque excision, and surgery.

Plaque excision is one of the newest treatments to date for disease of the legs. This procedure is performed by an interventional cardiologist and allows the physician to actually remove the plaque from the patient’s artery. A tiny rotating blade shaves away the plaque from inside the artery. The plaque collects in the tip of the device and then is removed from the patient. Dr. Don Lee has performed several plaque excision procedures with tremendously successful outcomes, greatly improving the patient’s quality of life.

Carotid artery disease is treated with lifestyle changes, medications, carotid angioplasty / stent placement, and carotid artery surgery.