State-of-the-Art Arterial Disease Treatment in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Do you experience cramping while walking that vanishes after a short break? Have you noticed that one leg is weaker, colder, or looks different than the other? These may be symptoms of arterial disease, also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is a common circulatory problem caused by the buildup of fatty deposits restricting blood flow. While many people experience no concerning symptoms, it may lead to serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks, and critical limb ischemia.
Visit East Cooper Vascular Surgery for arterial disease treatment in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Our skilled team diagnoses your condition, pinpoints the blockages if necessary, and determines the most appropriate approach for treatment. Depending on your needs, we may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Schedule your appointment today to get the answers you need about your health.
Are You at Risk?
Peripheral artery disease affects millions of people across the United States, and it is especially prevalent in people 60 years of age and older. The following factors also increase your risk of developing PAD:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity
- Heart Disease
- Family History of Arterial Disease, Aneurysm, Stroke, and/or Heart Disease
Schedule an appointment for an arterial disease screening if you are experiencing common symptoms like claudication and match one or more of the risk factors listed above. It is important to keep in mind that while most PAD-related blockages affect the legs, you may experience symptoms in your arms or other areas of your body.
Diverse Array of Duplex Ultrasound Exams Available On-Site
In many cases, we can diagnose arterial disease using quick, noninvasive testing. Thanks to our on-site ultrasound lab, our team offers a range of exams that utilize state-of-the-art medical imaging and deliver quick results. These diagnostic exams include the following:
Carotid Artery Ultrasound: Our sonographer examines the arteries that course up your neck and into your brain. These include the innominate/brachiocephalic, subclavian, vertebral, common carotid, internal carotid, and external carotid arteries. Since a blockage in these arteries could lead to devastating results, we pay careful attention to detail and utilize the most effective duplex ultrasound methods.
Dialysis Graft/Arteriovenous Fistula Surveillance: After your vascular surgeon completes your dialysis graft (otherwise known as an arteriovenous fistula or AVF), the graft should be assessed for adequate flow. The extra blood flow created by an AVF is crucial for successful dialysis treatment. You can count on our team to get an accurate picture of your graft’s performance as it matures.
Aortic Ultrasound for Abdominal Aneurysm: We evaluate the large artery in your abdomen that carries blood from your heart to your legs, checking for abnormalities. These arterial disease screenings may be routinely scheduled as part of tracking and managing your condition.
Renal Artery Ultrasound: Our sonographer examines the main arteries leading to your kidneys, ensuring you have adequate function and blood flow. You may need this exam if you’ve been experiencing uncontrolled blood pressure and decreased renal function.
Mesenteric Artery Ultrasound: Many people don’t realize that circulatory issues can impact your digestive system. If you’re experiencing abdominal cramping after eating, changes in your bowel habits, weight loss, or an aversion to food, we may perform duplex ultrasound imaging for the three major arteries that supply your digestive system to check for blockages.
Peripheral Arterial Physiologic Testing: Used to detect arterial disease in your lower and upper extremities, peripheral arterial physiologic testing is one of our most common diagnostic tools. It combines both ultrasound imaging and blood pressure cuffs to calculate your ankle-brachial index – in essence, the difference in blood pressure between your arms and your legs. If you experience leg cramping while walking, exhibit a decreased pulse near your ankles, or have ulcers on your lower extremities, we’ll utilize this arterial disease screening method. Likewise, we may test your upper extremities for blockages if you experience pain, weakness, or numbness in your shoulders and neck, arms, or fingers.
Lower Arterial Duplex Exam Examination of Bypass Grafts and Native Arteries: Our sonographers also use duplex imaging to study other types of arterial blockages, bypass grafts, aneurysms, and abnormal connections between veins and arteries (arteriovenous fistulas).