• A peripheral angiogram is a test that uses X rays to assess the narrowed/blocked arteries or veins in the body.
    1. Smoking Diabetes
    2. Hypertension
    3. High Cholesterol
    4. Advanced Age

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease is the narrowing of the artery/arteries of the legs, kidneys, arms or head. It is similar to Coronary artery disease. It happens due to the process called ‘Atherosclerosis’.

What are the risk factors for PAD?

  1. Smoking
  2. Diabetes
  3. Hypertension
  4. High Cholesterol
  5. Advanced Age

Symptoms of PAD (especially PAD in

Cramps, tiredness in leg/hip muscles while walking or climbing up of stairs, pain decreases on taking rest, non-healing ulcers, blackening of toes.

How is Peripheral Angiogram done?

 It is a relatively less painful procedure done in the Cath lab by Interventional Cardiologist (or) Vascular surgeon. A small tube called ‘catheter’ is inserted through the artery in the groin/hand after local anaesthesia. A special fluid called dye/contrast is injected through it and X-rays are taken. These pictures are called angiograms.

Results of PAG:

Normal study: Means that there is adequate blood supply to the peripheries. Abnormal PAG shows the

1. Number of arteries blocked,

2. The distribution and location of blocks.

3. The severity (percentage) of blocks.

Recommended plan after PAG

The treatment plan depends on the type, location, and severity of PAD

  1. Medical management: Drugs are given to reduce the pain, decrease symptoms and Improve blood flow.
  2. Peripheral Angioplasty and stenting
  3. Peripheral Artery Bypass surgery

PERIPHERAL ANGIOPLASTY (PTA)

A special catheter with a small balloon at the tip is passed into the narrow / blocked Portion of the artery and it is inflated. This compresses the cholesterols debris against the walls of the artery.  A stent is placed in the portion if necessary. Blood flow is re-established.