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My father has been detected with peripheral artery disease. Please advise.
My father is 72 years old. At 65 years of age he had a massive heart attack and a 100% blockage in his right coronary artery. One week ago he was diagnosed with peripheral artery disease.
12 Answers
It's common to have coronary artery disease as well as peripheral vascular disease. Patient will need to modify his life style and to take certain medication to decrease his risk of having more heart problems and that will decrease the need to have any intervention to the peripheral vascular disease problem.
He needs an evaluation.
It is quite common to have peripheral arterial closer to Z‘s concomitant with coronary artery disease. They are essentially the same causation. Depending on his symptoms, he may be prescribed some antiplatelet agents or other medications, or, in severe cases, require some type of intervention which could be an angiogram, angioplasty, or a stent. I suggest that you obtain a consultation from a reputable vascular surgeon in your area for a baseline evaluation and to follow up for symptom progression.
He would need a full evaluation of his pad from a vascular surgeon to discuss workup, testing, and indications for possible treatment & the options. Smoking cessation is very important in the meantime.
Peripheral arterial disease and heart disease are both part of the same disease process. It is all based on a condition called atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup on the inside of the arteries. Having had a heart problem at the age of 65 definitely puts him at risk for having lower extremity blood flow problems. He should definitely be evaluated by a Vascular Surgeon. Always make sure that this individual is board certified in vascular surgery.
I hope this was helpful.
Address the coronary occlusion for now the peripheral arterial disease can be observed if he doesn’t have any symptoms
The problem with hardening of the arteries of his heart is also occurring in his legs. After your father continues to smoke, this problem will only get worse. If he hasn't, he must stop smoking. Depending upon his symptoms that his hardening of the arteries are causing his leg will dictate treatment. Not all blocked arteries and leg need to be treated. He should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon, not a cardiologist, for this problem.
It's very common to see if someone has coronary artery disease, as they will have peripheral vascular disease, too. The management depends on the severity of symptoms, and if they are mild, then medical management with asa/statins and risk factor modification is enough. If the symptoms are severe then intervention could be required.
Ramandeep Sidhu, MD, FACS, RPVI
CAD and PAD have the same risk factors....CAD usually presents 1st as the vessels are smaller. Risk factor modification is critical- smoking cessation, aspirin and statin therapy and BP control...plus a healthy diet and exercise.
He needs to see an expert in peripheral vascular disease
There is no reason to treat asymptomatic PAD. Absolute indications for PAD treatment include a non-healing wound of the lower legs or feet, and rest pain, which is foot pain occurring during the night.
It depends on the degree of disease: if mild, close follow up; if more severe, need to see a vascular surgeon not a cardiologist; they are completely trained in all aspects of vascular disease.