Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition in which blood flow is reduced to the arms or legs due to narrowing arteries. If left untreated, this condition can result in limb amputations.

Those at risk for PAD

• People 50 years or older
• People who smoke, chew and/or vape
• People with family members who have the disease
• People diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• People who have kidney disease

Signs and symptoms of PAD

• Signs of chronic PAD
  • Cramping or heaviness in legs
  • Feeling that feet are cold all the time
• Signs when PAD symptoms are an emergency
  • Pain that’s cold
  • White or purple skin color
  • Pain that's relieved by dangling foot off the bed

Testing available to diagnose PAD

• Doppler ultrasound
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment for PAD

Billings Clinic offers the only inpatient hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the region to treat wounds associated with PAD. Our expert team works collaboratively to help you live a better life with chronic disease by managing underlying causes and complications of PAD.

• Non-surgical options for PAD
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Lifestyle changes especially early in the course of peripheral artery disease.
    • Quit smoking
    • Walking and other exercise on a regular basis
  • Medications for PAD can include
    • Cholesterol medications
    • Blood pressure medications
    • Blood sugar control medications
    • Medications to help prevent blood clots and leg pain
• Surgical options for PAD
  • Angioplasty and stent placement
  • Bypass procedures
  • Thrombolytic therapy