Vascular Clinic
The Vascular Clinic at St. Vincent Healthcare identifies, diagnoses, and prescribes treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease. Our team of physicians includes cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgeons, cardiologists, interventional neuro-radiologists and interventional radiologists.
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the limbs or organs become narrowed or clogged. This slows or stops the flow of blood and can lead to serious health conditions such as pain in the legs when walking, sores that don't heal, or more serious conditions like stroke, heart attack or kidney failure. Almost 60% of people with PAD will have conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and 30% to 40% of people with PAD will have carotid disease. Both are serious diseases, that if left untreated can lead to heart attack or stroke.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The most common symptoms experienced with PAD are known as intermittant claudication, which is leg pain that is felt when walking or being active. Other symptoms include:
- Numbness in hands, buttocks,legs or feet
- Burning or aching pain in the feet or toes when resting
- Cold legs or feet
- Sore on the leg or foot that won't heal
- Change in color of the skin on legs or feet
- Loss of hair on legs
Take this PAD Quiz to find out if you're at risk.
WHAT CAUSES PAD?
PAD and intermittent claudication are caused by atherosclerosis, a condition more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside an artery forming plaque. This plaque clogs
the artery.
WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS FOR PAD?
PAD affects 10 million people in the United States. Of these, 2.5 million will go undiagnosed. However, there are several risk factors associated with PAD. They are:
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
HOW IS PAD DIAGNOSED?
An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is the initial diagnostic exam used to determine if, and to what extent, a patient has PAD. A handheld Doppler device is used to locate pulses in each arm and ankle. Blood pressures are then taken. The blood pressures in the arms are then compared to the blood pressures in the ankles. The ankle blood pressure should be the same or higher than the pressures in the arms.
HOW IS PAD TREATED?
The physicians at the St. Vincent Healthcare Vascular Clinic will determine additional diagnostic tests that may be required and develop the appropriate treatment plan for your condition. A variety of therapies and interventions may be used - most of which are done as an outpatient.
Low to moderate PAD
For people with a low to moderate level of PAD, one or more of the following therapies and interventions may be used:
- Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, heart healthy nutrition, and exercise
- Medication management
- Management of high blood pressure
- Management of diabetes
- Management of high cholesterol
Moderate to severe PAD
For people with moderate to severe PAD, there are a variety of medical and surgical treatment options recommended by the Vascular Clinic. Some of these include:
Our physicians will work with you, your primary care physician, and other physician specialists to determine the best course of treatment and follow-up care.
Appointments and Information:
For more information or referral, talk to your primary care physician or call the Vascular Clinic at (406) 237-8280.
St. Vincent Healthcare Vascular Clinic
Yellowstone Medical Center, Suite 502E
2900 12th Avenue North
Billings, Montana 59101
406.237.8280 Fax 406.237.8290
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