Memphis Peripheral Vascular Disease

Expert Care from Trusted Memphis Vascular Specialists

Peripheral Vascular Disease in Memphis

At Metropolitan Cardiovascular Institute, our Memphis Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) experts are dedicated to diagnosing and treating this common circulatory disorder. PVD occurs when blood vessels outside of the heart and brain become narrowed or blocked, typically affecting the legs and arms. Left untreated, it can lead to pain, poor circulation, and serious complications such as limb loss or stroke.

Quick Facts About Peripheral Vascular Disease:

PVD affects more than 6.5 million people over age 40 in the U.S.
It’s often associated with atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries.
Many patients with PVD are also at increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Early detection can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Causes & Symptoms

Causes:

PVD is most often caused by reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup in peripheral arteries. Risk factors include:

Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of vascular disease

Symptoms:

While symptoms can vary, common signs of PVD include:

Cramping or pain in the legs, especially when walking (claudication)
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
Coldness in the lower legs or feet
Discoloration or shiny skin on the legs
Slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes

Testing & Diagnosis in Memphis:

Our Memphis-based cardiovascular team uses advanced tools to diagnose PVD with accuracy and care. Common diagnostic procedures include:

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): measures blood pressure differences between arms and legs
Doppler Ultrasound: checks blood flow and detects narrowing in arteries
Angiography: creates detailed images of blood vessels using contrast dye
Blood tests: assess for contributing conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes

Treatment Options:

At Metropolitan Cardiovascular Institute, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and health goals. Treatment options may include:

Lifestyle changes: such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and dietary improvements
Medications: to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and improve blood flow
Minimally invasive procedures: like angioplasty and stenting to restore circulation
Surgical options: in advanced cases, bypass procedures may be necessary to redirect blood flow
Ongoing care and monitoring: to track progress and prevent future complications

Expert Peripheral Vascular Disease in Memphis

If you're experiencing symptoms of poor circulation or leg discomfort, don't wait. At Metropolitan Cardiovascular Institute, our Memphis Peripheral Vascular Disease doctors are here to help you regain mobility, improve your vascular health, and prevent serious complications. Contact us at 901.337.1625 to schedule your cardiovascular checkup today.