Peripheral Artery Disease

Having healthy blood vessels is vital to maintaining superior heart health and minimizing your risk of severe medical complications. At the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona, board-certified cardiologist Thaslim Kassim, MD, FACC, treats peripheral artery and vein diseases to restore normal blood flow. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are peripheral artery and vein diseases?

Artery and vein diseases affect blood vessels, which supply blood to and from the heart and to other areas of your body. When arteries and veins become damaged or don’t work properly, diseases can develop. Examples include:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Atherosclerosis
• Venous disease
• Varicose veins
• Spider veins

Venous diseases affect your veins, which are the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart from your limbs and other areas.

Arterial diseases affect your arteries and their ability to carry blood away from your heart to other body parts. PAD often affects the arteries in your arms and legs.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery and vein diseases?

Signs and symptoms of blood vessel diseases include:

• Visible bulging veins
• Leg pain
• Skin discoloration
• Fatigue
• Leg weakness
• Cold limbs
• Muscle cramping
• Shiny skin
• Swelling
• Non-healing wounds
• Slowed toenail growth 

You might also experience embarrassment because of visible spider or varicose veins. 

What are the risk factors for peripheral artery and vein diseases?

Factors that increase the risk of peripheral artery and vein diseases include:

• Pregnancy
• Family history of blood vessel diseases
• Aging
• Weight gain
• Long periods of sitting or standing
• Poor diet and exercise habits
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol 

High cholesterol and plaque buildup in blood vessel walls are common contributors to artery and vein diseases. 

How are peripheral artery and vein diseases diagnosed?

At the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona, diagnosing peripheral artery and vein diseases involves a review of your symptoms and medical history, a vital signs check, a physical exam, blood testing, ankle-brachial index (ABI) blood pressure tests, an arterial ultrasound, or angiography that uses imaging to look for signs of blockages.

How are peripheral artery and vein diseases treated?

Treating peripheral artery and vein diseases may involve one or more of the following:

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Sclerotherapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Angioplasty and stenting
• Removing plaque from arteries
• Vein removal procedures 
• Bypass surgery
• Clot-dissolving drugs
• Compression stockings
• Laser treatments
• Cardiac rehabilitation 

It’s vital to exercise regularly, maintain an ideal weight, avoid smoking, and eat nutritious foods. Follow up with Dr. Kassim to ensure your treatment plan is effective.

Schedule an evaluation at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona by phone or request one online today to get treated for peripheral artery and vein diseases.