Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Diagnosis and minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment for blocked arteries in the legs.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to your legs, usually caused by atherosclerosis — the same plaque buildup that causes coronary artery disease. As the arteries narrow, the leg muscles and skin don't get enough blood, especially during activity.

Symptoms to watch for

The classic symptom is leg pain or cramping when walking that eases with rest (claudication). Other signs include leg numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, sores or wounds that won't heal, and a change in the color of the legs. Because PAD often develops silently, many people dismiss it as normal aging.

Who is at risk?

Risk rises with smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, older age, and a family history of vascular disease. PAD is also a warning sign — people with PAD are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke, so diagnosing it protects more than your legs.

How we diagnose PAD

Evaluation is quick and non-invasive: a pulse exam, an ankle-brachial index (ABI) that compares blood pressure in your ankle and arm, and ultrasound to locate narrowings. When treatment is being planned, angiography maps the blockages precisely.

How we treat PAD

Treatment starts with a structured walking program, medication, and aggressive risk-factor control (quitting smoking is the single most important step). When blockages limit your life or threaten a wound, many can be opened through a small puncture using minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques — balloon angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy — often with same-day discharge.

Why early treatment matters

Restoring blood flow relieves leg pain, improves your ability to walk, helps wounds heal, and lowers the risk of limb loss. Caught early, PAD is very manageable — which is why we encourage anyone with leg pain on walking to get evaluated.

Insurance & scheduling

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare. When a test or treatment is medically necessary, it is typically covered — our team verifies your benefits and explains any out-of-pocket costs before you begin. Request an appointment through our contact page or call (281) 807-5253.

Cardiology & vein care for Tomball & Cypress

Northwest Cardiovascular Clinic is located just off SH 249 (Tomball Parkway) in northwest Houston, serving patients throughout Tomball, Cypress, Spring, and the greater Houston area. Dr. Ismail Dairywala, MD, FACC brings over two decades of cardiovascular experience to every visit. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

What does peripheral artery disease feel like?

The classic symptom is cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or buttocks that comes on with walking and eases with rest (claudication). Some people also notice numbness, coldness, or slow-healing sores on the legs or feet.

How is PAD diagnosed?

With a simple, painless ankle-brachial index (ABI) test that compares blood pressure at your ankle and arm, plus a pulse exam and ultrasound. Angiography is used when a procedure is being planned.

Can PAD be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many people improve with a walking program, medication, and risk-factor control — especially quitting smoking. When a procedure is needed, most blockages are opened with minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques rather than open surgery.

Is PAD serious?

It can be. Untreated PAD can lead to non-healing wounds and, rarely, limb loss, and it signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The good news is that caught early it is very manageable.

Does leg pain always mean PAD?

No — leg pain has many causes, including vein disease, nerve problems, and arthritis. But pain that reliably comes on with walking and eases with rest deserves a PAD evaluation.

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