Most people can manage their peripheral artery disease with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medications. And, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions related to peripheral artery disease need to manage these conditions.
Medications
Medications may include:
- Aspirin or other blood-thinning medication to help prevent blood clots from forming and to help blood flow through narrow arteries.
- Cilostazol can help improve leg pain and increase walking distance.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) can reduce symptoms and the need for surgery and amputations.
- Blood pressure medications can lower blood pressure.
- Diabetes medications such as oral agents and/or insulin to control blood sugars.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if:
- Lifestyle changes and medications don’t work.
- A person has severe symptoms or difficulty with daily activities.
- Blood flow becomes severely reduced.
The type of procedure depends on the location of the blockage, other medical problems, and the person’s choice of treatment.
Endovascular Surgery
Endovascular surgery happens inside the artery without big incisions. Angioplasty (inflating a balloon) or stenting (placing a small metal or plastic mesh tube) can open blocked arteries in the legs.
Bypass Surgery
This surgery can be done in the legs. It involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, or using a synthetic tube. Then, the vessel is inserted around the area where the artery is blocked so the blood can flow past the blockage.
Last Updated March 2023