At Michigan Vascular Center, we provide comprehensive, specialized care for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). As one of Michigan’s largest and most established vascular specialist practices, our board-certified vascular surgeons combine non-invasive diagnostic testing, medical management, minimally invasive endovascular techniques, advanced surgical reconstruction, and access to clinical trials to restore circulation and protect your long-term mobility.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a progressive circulatory condition caused by atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and calcium inside the blood vessels). Over time, this plaque narrows or hardens the arteries, restricting the flow of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood away from the heart to the legs, feet, arms, and internal organs.
Because atherosclerosis is a systemic condition, blockages in the leg arteries often indicate widespread vascular disease throughout the body. Individuals diagnosed with PAD face a significantly heightened risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Get tested for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Did You Know?
PAD affects an estimated 12 to 20 million people in the United States, yet less than 5 percent are diagnosed in its early stages. Because early symptoms are often mild or misattributed to aging, many patients do not receive care until arterial damage is severe.
Early Warning Signs & Common Symptoms
Many individuals experience no noticeable symptoms during early-stage PAD. However, as arterial narrowing reduces oxygen delivery to working muscles, symptoms typically emerge:
- Intermittent Claudication: Aching, cramping, heaviness, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, or buttock muscles triggered by walking or exercise that subsides after a few minutes of rest.
- Coldness or Temperature Drop: One foot or lower leg feels distinctly cooler to the touch than the rest of the body.
- Skin & Hair Changes: Shiny skin on the legs, decreased hair growth, or pale or bluish skin discoloration on the feet or toes.
- Nail Changes: Slow-growing, thickened, or brittle toenails.
- Weak or Absent Pulses: Difficulty detecting pulses in the feet or ankles during a routine exam.
- Critical Limb Ischemia (Advanced Stage): Persistent leg or foot pain that occurs even while resting (often worsening at night), or non-healing sores and ulcers on the toes or feet that risk infection and tissue necrosis.
Key Risk Factors for PAD
Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors accelerate plaque buildup inside your arteries. You should consider a vascular evaluation if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Age: Anyone over age 65, or age 50 and older with a history of smoking, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Smoking & Tobacco Use: Tobacco smoke damages blood vessel linings, increases vessel stiffness, and drastically accelerates atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Chronic high blood sugar levels damage vascular elasticity, contributing to arterial narrowing and small-vessel complications.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) & High Cholesterol: Uncontrolled blood pressure creates microtears in arterial walls, where elevated LDL cholesterol can accumulate.
- Family History: A history of vascular disease, heart attack, stroke, or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- Kidney Disease: Chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease significantly increases the risk of arterial calcification.
Schedule Your Vascular Consultation in Flint, MI
Don’t let leg pain or poor circulation limit your independence. The experienced surgeons at Michigan Vascular Center are dedicated to providing clear answers and personalized treatment plans.
- Main Appointment Line: (810) 720-ASAP (2727) or (810) 732-1620
- Location: 5020 W. Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Peripheral Artery Disease be reversed?
While the underlying arterial damage cannot be completely reversed, the progression of symptoms can be halted or significantly improved. Through risk-factor management, structured exercise, medication, and specialized endovascular intervention, blood flow can be restored to protect your limbs and quality of life.
Am I eligible for a free Vascular screening?
If you are over 50 years old and have a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or if you have a combination of risk factors like long-term smoking and diabetes, you may need a vascular screening. Contact our clinic at (810) 720-2727 to check your eligibility.
What happens if PAD is left untreated?
Left unmanaged, severe PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia, non-healing leg wounds, infection, gangrene, and potential limb amputation. Additionally, untreated PAD indicates an elevated risk for fatal heart attacks and strokes. Early diagnostic testing is critical.
