Peripheral vascular disease or peripheral arterial disease involves blockages of arteries outside of the heart. This can include the head, arms, kidneys, legs, etc. Most commonly this involves the legs and causes a multitude of symptoms such as cramping, heaviness, or weakness typically with some level of exertion. People can often complain of the legs feeling cold or a discoloration which can also suggest blockages in the legs. These blockages make walking difficult and painful and oftentimes people have mistaken this for arthritis.
Here at Heart South Cardiovascular Group, our team of nurses, ultrasound techs, and physicians can readily and painlessly help to diagnose whether a patient has peripheral vascular disease. This frequently involves getting an arterial doppler scan and blood pressure measurements which can be done here in our office. Definitive diagnosis involves an arteriogram where we can specifically identify the blockage and then treat it with various technologies that remove plaque from the arteries or stent the blockages to provide flow throughout the leg.
At Heart South Cardiovascular Group, we have developed our own outpatient-based peripheral lab, known as the Heart South Vascular Institue where these procedures can be done safely and efficiently in a calm and professional environment with same-day discharge. If you feel you may have peripheral vascular disease, please discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that the appropriate testing and diagnosis can be made.
We are ready to serve you! All the way from Birmingham to Shelby, Chilton, and Bibb Counties, just give us a call! We are located right next to Shelby Hospital and can accommodate your needs.
Performing procedures at: 1022 1st Street North, Alabaster, AL 35007
