Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects approximately 12 million Americans today. PAD narrows arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow to your muscles. It can take you by surprise, causing no symptoms at all — or symptoms you may think are something else.

 

PAD is usually caused by atherosclerosis, the same disease process that causes heart attacks and strokes. And even mild peripheral artery disease is an important signal that atherosclerosis might be affecting vital arteries elsewhere.

 

Atherosclerosis tends to happen throughout the body. “So if you have plaque in your heart, you’re at a higher risk for stroke, and vice versa,” says Dr. Dan Wunder, Chief, Vascular & Interventional Division of Premier Radiology.

 

Who Gets Atherosclerosis? It might be easier to ask, who doesn’t get atherosclerosis? If you are 40 and generally healthy, you have about a 50% chance of developing serious atherosclerosis in your lifetime. The risk goes up as you get older. The majority of adults older than 60 have some atherosclerosis but often do not have noticeable symptoms.

 

There is good news. Rates of death from atherosclerosis have fallen by 25% since 30 years ago. This is thanks to both better lifestyles and improved treatments.

How is PAD treated?

Premier Radiology | Briarville proudly introduces the latest technology in the outpatient setting, the SilverHawk & TurboHawkTM Plaque Excision System, for the treatment of PAD, by carefully removing plaque from the blocked artery.

According to Dr. Wunder, this is the first technology of its kind to remove significant amounts of plaque from arteries. It consistently removes hundreds of milligrams of tissue to restore healthy blood flow. With this new technology, patients now have access to an advanced, proven treatment for plaque removal. Pain relief is usually immediate, and often patients begin to exercise, ultimately transforming their health.

Premier Radiology is the first in Central Tennessee to bring this advanced treatment technology to the outpatient setting. Briarville provides patients tailored, personalized care all within the comfort and convenience of an outpatient facility.

How can I prevent PAD | Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is progressive, but it’s also preventable. Below are (9) common risk factors are to blame for upwards of 90% of all vascular disease:

– Smoking

– High cholesterol

– High blood pressure

– Diabetes

– Abdominal obesity (“spare tire”)

– Stress

– Not eating fruits and vegetables

– Excess alcohol intake (more than one drink for women, one or two drinks for men, per day)

– Not exercising regularly

You may notice all have something in common: You can do something about them! Begin today by establishing (3) Lifestyle Habits:

– Exercise 30 minutes most days of the week

– Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily

– Most of all, don’t smoke

How can I schedule an exam?

Our interventional radiologists offer the full spectrum of care including pre-procedure consultation, post-procedure care and when necessary, hospital admission. All patients can schedule an office visit to consult with a radiologist to discuss treatment options prior to performing any procedure. To schedule an appointment please call our Briarville office at 615.986.6411.

Learn more about PAD, watch Dr. Dan Wunder on NewsChannel5 discussing PAD from diagnosis through treatment.