Vascular Disease

Vascular Disease : Central Arkansas Cardiology offers an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease, both coronary and peripheral. The diagnosis of PVD may be made through simple history and physical examination, noninvasive studies (ankle-brachial index, pulse volume recordings, ultrasound, CAT scan, MRI), or invasive studies (angiography). The treatment of PVD focuses on the relief of symptoms and preservation of organs and tissues. Aggressive medical therapy is the keystone of patient management.

The most obvious is to change the risk factors that affect disease progression. Drug treatment includes platelet inhibitors (aspirin, Plavix), cholesterol lowering medications, and blood pressures medications. Non-surgical options are available to expand the lumen of the artery, thereby increasing blood flow and decreasing symptoms. These include balloon angioplasty and stenting. These procedures are performed in the catheterization laboratory, usually through the leg artery using a local anesthetic. Some patients are best served by a surgical procedure. Most surgical procedures involve bypassing or removing the blockage from the artery.

Our physicians are highly experienced in all forms of vascular disease and have maintained both continuing education in this area as well as have taken and passed tests to define expertise in vascular disease.