Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, fre­quently occurs in individuals who attribute activity induced leg pain to other conditions such as nerve, back or muscle conditions. Painful cramps in the hips, thighs and calves while walking or doing other strenu­ous activities may be a sign PAD.

Pain in the legs that starts with activity and is relieved with rest is called “intermittent clau­dication.” Pain in the legs that occurs without activity or pain that is so severe that a person has to sleep in a chair for relief is called rest pain. The end stage of PAD is when people develop sores or gangrene on there feet from poor circulation.

PAD is due to build up of cholesterol and plaque in the linings of the artery. Over time, these blockages increase until the flow of blood is restricted. First comes pain with activity. Some patients progress to rest pain or foot infections such as gangrene.

Several risk factors increase the risk of building up plaque and developing PAD. These include smoking, family his­tory, diabetes, high cholesterol and advancing age. The plaque build up is similar to what hap­pens in the heart arteries, which leads to heart attacks. This also occurs in the carotid arteries supplying the brain. This can result in devastating strokes. Blockage in one area of the body may be associated with blockages in other areas.

The treatment for PAD is individualized. That’s why treatment coordinated by a vas­cular specialist is so important. Life-style modification with cessation of smoking, a regular exercise program and strict control of cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension is the first line treatment. There are also some prescription medications that may be helpful for some patients as well.

Vascular surgeons offer both minimally invasive procedures and open surgical procedures. Interventions such as angio­plasty or stenting of pelvic and peripheral arteries to improve blood inflow may be an option. There are also several surgical procedures, including leg bypass and endarterectomies, which can be offered as well.

The first step in screening for PAD is with a non-inva­sive ultrasound. Our ICAVL Accredited Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory at GFM Surgical Associates, 718 Shore Road, Somers Point, New Jersey, specializes in non-inva­sive vascular screening and test­ing. Serving the community for twenty-two years has brought us the recognition of quality test­ing and dependability.

We provide screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease with a short ultrasound test. Screening for Carotid Artery Disease with ultrasound is also available. We offer a third screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, especially in anyone with significant family history and smoking. Screening for PAD may be done for all three areas at one sitting or any one you choose. After complet­ing your screening, our board certified physicians will review the study, send you a copy of your results and forward them to your primary care physician. We will be available to help interpret the studies and provide continuing care if you should so choose.

So why come to us for your screening?

At GFM Surgical Associates, you are assured of three important factors when being screened: 1) Quality of testing, 2) Quality of technologists 3) Quality of reading physicians interpreting these studies. Our lab is ICAVL accredited in vascular ultrasound and our physicians are board certified. There may be others that provide screenings, but here at GFM SURGICAL ASSOCIATES, we entrust even our own family members to the care and concern provided by this team of professionals.

Our fee for individual screenings is $50.00 per screening, or the combined, carotid, aortic and arterial screening at $100.00.

Call our office today, 609-927-8550, to schedule your choice of screening.