Peripheral artery disease or PAD is a type of vascular disease characterized by narrowed blood vessels and decreased blood flow to your limbs, especially your legs. Heart services at Dignity Health Southern California are equipped with the latest technology to help you live pain free. Use our online Find a Doctor tool receive comprehensive care for peripheral vascular disease at one of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino.

PAD is a painful and difficult disease to cure. Constant care from experienced heart doctors can ease symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

Clogged blood vessels in your legs will reduce oxygen flow, which leads to pain and discomfort in your legs, toes, and sometimes arms. Common signs and symptoms of PAD include: 

• Bluish tint of the legs
• Leg pain or fatigue when walking
• Pain in your toes
• Nighttime leg cramps
• Numbness or pain in your legs that worsens when you elevate your feet
• Slow-healing sores on your legs
• Leg sores that arise for no known reason

Causes of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, including plaque buildup, is the primary cause for PAD.

Plaque forms as cholesterol accumulates on the arteries over time. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk for peripheral artery disease.

Known risk factors for PAD are: 

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• History of heart disease
• Kidney disease

How to Lower Your Risk for PAD

Treatment for PAD begins with making healthy lifestyle choices. Exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced diet with whole grains and healthy fats is the best defense against plaque forming in your artery walls.

Learn your heart health risk by taking our free heart health assessment today.

Treating Peripheral Artery Disease at Dignity Health Southern California

If PAD advances and fully blocks blood flow to your leg, our heart specialists can perform a broad range of treatment for PAD to open your blood vessels. Your doctor may begin treatment by helping you choose healthier lifestyle habits. We know that living with PAD can cause discomfort and interfere with your mobility, so our team is dedicated to easing your symptoms.

Dignity Health provides therapy and treatment for peripheral vascular disease in Southern California.