What doctor would diagnose PAD?
You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. However, you may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of blood vessels (vascular specialist) or a doctor who specializes in the heart and circulatory system (cardiologist).
Do cardiologists deal with peripheral artery disease?
There are many reasons why cardiologists should care about PAD in their cardiac patients but unfortunately, cardiologists tend to focus upon atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries and PAD is inadequately addressed in most cardiology training programmes.
When should I see a doctor for peripheral artery disease?
Signs You Should See a Doctor for PAD Pain or cramping in the arms or legs, especially if it's more acute with physical activity and goes away with rest. Numbness or weakness in the legs. Cramping or pain in one or both of your thighs, hips, or calf muscles. Non-healing wounds or sores on the feet, toes, or legs.
Do podiatrists treat PAD?
Treating Peripheral Artery Disease If you do end up developing PAD a podiatrist can be an instrumental part of your medical team to help you manage your symptoms and prevent complications.
What kind of doctor treats poor circulation in legs?
A vascular physician will diagnose any conditions, prescribe any medications you might need, and formulate an actionable treatment plan for managing your poor circulation. You may require medication or procedures to treat your conditions, but your doctor will also recommend lifestyle changes.
Should I see a cardiologist for PAD?
A cardiologist may also be involved in treating people who have PAD. Cardiologists treat heart problems, such as CHD and heart attack, which often affect people who have PAD.
When should you go to the hospital for a PAD?
New or worsening fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. Even if you are used to feeling tired or having difficulty walking, take notice when new symptoms appear or stable symptoms become worse. Henke says that this is especially true for people who've had procedures to treat PAD, such as stents or a bypass.
What doctor treats clogged arteries?
Vascular specialists are experienced in treating many blood vessel conditions. A cardiologist may also be involved in the diagnosis process. Cardiologists mainly focus on problems with the heart, like heart disease or heart attack, which can occur as a result of untreated PAD.
Can a neurologist diagnose peripheral artery disease?
Abstract. Background: The symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can be masked by neurological or orthopaedic diseases with identical symptoms, which may result in faulty therapy decisions, if the diagnosis is solely based on the reported complaints and angiographic or duplex ultrasonographic findings.
How does a podiatrist check for blood circulation?
Examples of vascular tests that a podiatrist might use include the ankle-brachial index, which measures the blood pressure at your ankle and at your arm and then compares the two readings, or the Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to visualize your blood flow on a computer screen.
Does PAD cause foot pain?
As PAD gets worse, you may have pain in your foot or toe when you aren't walking. Other symptoms may include weak or tired legs. You might have trouble walking or balancing. If PAD gets worse, you may have other symptoms caused by poor blood flow to your legs and feet.
Can PAD cause numbness in feet?
PAD restricts blood from getting to your extremities. It can cause discoloration of your feet or legs, swelling in your legs, numbness, tingling, pain, sores or cuts that don't heal, and difficulty walking. If left untreated, restricted blood flow from PAD can be fatal.