How Serious Is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Posted on Wed, 28 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 May 2014 Answered on

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : how serious is PAD?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be managed if detected early...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a serious entity. However it can be managed without serious complications if the condition is diagnosed early. A competent physician / surgeon can check peripheral pulses and suspect PAD. Colour Doppler scan which is a non invasive test is quite sensitive and can confirm the diagnosis of PAD. Early treatment with antiplatelets and anticoagulants can stop the progress of disease limiting the morbidity associated with it.

I understand your concern. Swelling of the feet and numbness may or may not be from PAD. Since you have no pain / skin colour changes, you can consult the doctor at your convenience and rule out PAD.

Hope this helped. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar