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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs. It is most commonly caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) and can lead to leg pain, poor circulation, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. PAD is often underdiagnosed and can be a sign of more serious cardiovascular disease.
At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants, board-certified cardiovascular specialist Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, and the team provide advanced evaluation and peripheral artery disease treatment in Las Vegas, NV. Using modern vascular imaging and minimally invasive techniques, they diagnose circulation issues and help restore healthy blood flow. Early evaluation can help prevent serious complications. Schedule your PAD screening today.
If you have leg pain, numbness, cold feet, or symptoms of poor circulation, contact Desert Cardiovascular Consultants today to schedule a PAD evaluation in Las Vegas.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
PAD is a circulatory condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the legs and extremities.
PAD may cause:
- Leg pain while walking
- Cramping in the calves, thighs, or hips
- Cold feet or lower legs
- Numbness or weakness
- Slow-healing wounds
- Skin color changes
Early diagnosis can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of complications.
As a leading PAD specialist in Las Vegas, Dr. Khan focuses on early detection and targeted treatment to improve long-term vascular health.
What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?
The most common symptom of peripheral artery disease is leg pain or cramping while walking that improves with rest.
Other PAD symptoms may include:
- Pain in the calves, thighs, or hips
- Coldness in one or both lower legs or feet
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Hair loss on the legs
- Slow nail growth
- Non-healing sores or ulcers on the feet or legs
PAD symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging or muscle fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, a vascular specialist in Las Vegas can evaluate your circulation and determine the cause.
What Causes Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits—known as plaque—accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries. This plaque is composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and cellular waste. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet.
Understanding your risk factors is the first step toward prevention and early intervention. While some factors like older age and a family history of vascular disease cannot be changed, many common PAD risk factors are manageable. These include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
The Strong Connection Between PAD, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
Patients with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease. In fact, PAD is estimated to be two to four times more prevalent in people with diabetes compared to the general population. The high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, accelerating the buildup of plaque and making the arteries stiffer. Furthermore, older adults with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to vascular damage, which often results in poor circulation and slow-healing wounds on the lower extremities.
It is also crucial to understand that PAD does not occur in isolation. Because atherosclerosis is a systemic condition, plaque buildup in the legs strongly suggests that similar blockages may be occurring elsewhere in the body. There is a definitive clinical correlation between PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD)—the condition that leads to heart attacks.
If you have been diagnosed with PAD, you are at an increased risk of developing CAD, and conversely, individuals with CAD are at a higher risk for PAD. Managing these interconnected cardiovascular risks requires comprehensive care. At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants, our team provides thorough evaluations to protect not just your legs, but your overall cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your heart health, we encourage you to review our Coronary Artery Disease services.
Common PAD risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Family history of vascular disease
- Older age
People with PAD may also have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
How is PAD Diagnosed?
Peripheral artery disease is diagnosed through a combination of a comprehensive physical exam, a detailed review of your symptoms, and specialized vascular testing. Because PAD symptoms can sometimes mimic normal aging or muscle fatigue, precise diagnostic testing is essential to measure blood flow and identify blockages.
At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants, we utilize advanced, non-invasive technology to assess your vascular health. These tests help Dr. Khan determine the severity of the disease and guide the most appropriate, personalized treatment plan. Diagnostic testing may include:
•Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A quick, painless test that compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm.
•Duplex Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and pinpoint the exact location of blockages.
•CT Angiography (CTA): Provides highly detailed, 3D images of the arterial system.
•Stress Testing: Evaluates how well your heart and blood vessels respond to physical exertion. Learn more about our Stress Testing capabilities.
Understanding Your Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Score
The Ankle-Brachial Index is the gold standard for diagnosing PAD . The score is calculated by dividing the higher systolic blood pressure reading from your ankle by the higher reading from your arm. The resulting number indicates the severity of the arterial blockage :
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ABI Score Range
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Clinical Interpretation
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What It Means for You
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1.0 to 1.3
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Normal
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Blood flow in the legs is healthy and unobstructed.
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0.9 to 1.0
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Borderline
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Mild narrowing may be present; lifestyle changes are often recommended.
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0.7 to 0.9
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Mild PAD
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Noticeable reduction in blood flow; you may begin to experience leg pain during exercise.
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0.4 to 0.7
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Moderate PAD
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Significant blockages are present; walking distances may be severely limited.
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Lower than 0.4
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Severe PAD
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Critical reduction in blood flow; high risk for rest pain, non-healing wounds, and tissue loss.
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(Note: An ABI score higher than 1.4 may indicate stiff, calcified arteries, often seen in patients with advanced diabetes, requiring alternative testing methods.)
The Rutherford Classification System
To further categorize the clinical severity of PAD and tailor your treatment, vascular specialists utilize the Rutherford Classification system. While an ABI score measures blood pressure, the Rutherford scale focuses on how the disease affects your daily life and tissue health. It divides PAD into categories ranging from 0 to 6 :
•Categories 0–3 (Claudication): These stages represent mild to severe leg pain (claudication) that occurs during walking but improves with rest. Treatment at these stages often focuses on lifestyle modifications, supervised exercise, and medications.
•Categories 4–6 (Critical Limb Ischemia): These advanced stages indicate a severe lack of blood flow, resulting in pain while resting (Category 4), minor tissue loss or non-healing ulcers (Category 5), or major tissue loss and gangrene (Category 6). These stages require prompt Vascular Intervention to restore blood flow and prevent limb loss.
By utilizing these precise diagnostic tools and classification systems, our team ensures that you receive the exact level of care required for your specific condition.
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment Options in Las Vegas
Peripheral artery disease is treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive procedures to improve blood flow. At our Las Vegas office, PAD treatment is tailored to the severity of your condition and overall health.. The goal is to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications.
Lifestyle & Medical Management
For early-stage PAD, treatment may include:
- Supervised exercise therapy
- Smoking cessation support
- Blood pressure and cholesterol management
- Medications to improve circulation and reduce clot risk
Minimally Invasive PAD Procedures
For more advanced PAD, minimally invasive vascular procedures may be recommended, including:
- Peripheral Angioplasty: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon catheter to open narrowed arteries and restore blood flow.
- Arterial Stenting: A small mesh stent is placed to keep the artery open and prevent future blockages.
- Advanced Plaque Reduction Techniques: Specialized tools may be used to reduce or remove plaque buildup and restore circulation.
These procedures are typically performed through small puncture sites and are designed to support faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): Advanced PAD
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe form of peripheral artery disease that causes significantly reduced blood flow to the legs or feet.
Symptoms of CLI may include:
- Severe leg pain at rest
- Pain that worsens at night
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers
- Skin breakdown or tissue damage
Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to help prevent serious complications, including limb loss.
Why Choose Desert Cardiovascular Consultants?
Desert Cardiovascular Consultants provide coordinated cardiac and vascular care in one location, helping streamline care and improve the patient experience. Patients benefit from personalized care plans designed to address both vascular health and overall cardiovascular risk.
- Board-certified interventional cardiologist
- Advanced in-office diagnostic testing
- Minimally invasive treatment options
- Advanced interventional and imaging technology
- Comprehensive, all-in-one cardiovascular care
Schedule PAD Treatment in Las Vegas
Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD can improve mobility, reduce pain, and lower your risk of serious complications. Call Desert Cardiovascular Consultants today or request an appointment online to schedule your PAD evaluation in Las Vegas.