Leg pain, cramping, or fatigue when walking is often mistaken for a simple muscle issue. In reality, these symptoms can indicate problems with the heart and blood vessels, particularly peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition occurs when blood flow to the legs is reduced due to narrowed arteries.
RS Mandaya Royal Puri offers comprehensive vascular care provided by dr. Suci Indriani, Sp.JP (K), FIHA, a cardiologist specializing in interventional cardiology and vascular therapies, including revascularization procedures to restore proper blood flow.
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Understanding PAD and Its Symptoms
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries become narrowed, reducing blood flow to the arms or legs.
In PAD, the legs or arms—most commonly the legs—do not receive sufficient blood flow to meet the body’s needs. This can cause various symptoms, including leg pain while walking, known as claudication.
PAD is usually a sign of fatty buildup in the arterial walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
PAD may cause very mild symptoms or none at all. However, common signs include:
- Leg pain when walking.
- Muscle pain or cramping in the arms or legs, especially in the calves.
- Muscle pain that starts during activity and disappears with rest.
- Painful cramping in one or both hips, thighs, or calves after walking, climbing stairs, or other activities.
- Pain when using the arms, such as aching or cramping while knitting or writing.
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially compared to the other side.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet.
Complications and Risks of Untreated PAD
Complications of peripheral artery disease (PAD) caused by atherosclerosis include:
1. Critical limb ischemia
This occurs when an injury or infection leads to tissue damage or death. Symptoms include nonhealing wounds on the limbs. Treatment may involve amputation of the affected area.
2. Stroke and heart attack
Plaque buildup in the arteries can also affect the blood vessels that supply the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Treating PAD-Related Leg Pain at RS Mandaya Royal Puri
To address leg pain caused by PAD, dr. Suci at RS Mandaya Royal Puri can perform revascularization.
Revascularization is a medical procedure aimed at restoring blood flow to tissues or organs that lack adequate circulation due to narrowed or blocked arteries. In PAD cases, this procedure is used to reopen blood flow in the affected leg arteries.
Treatment techniques may include balloon angioplasty, stent placement if needed, clot removal, or the use of specialized devices to clear plaque using a drilling-like mechanism.
According to dr. Suci, managing peripheral artery disease follows similar principles to heart interventions. When blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, restoring blood flow is essential to normalize circulation.
The procedure is performed using minimally invasive catheter-based techniques, eliminating the need for major surgery. Access is typically through the arteries in the thigh. The first step is angiography, an imaging assessment to map the blood vessels and identify the location and severity of blockages.
Angiography results determine the next step. The doctor may perform balloon angioplasty, place a stent when required, remove blood clots, or use plaque-clearing devices similar to a “drill.”
However, not all patients require a stent. The primary goal is to restore adequate blood flow to the legs so oxygen and nutrients can circulate properly and maintain healthy tissue function.
Profile and Schedule of dr. Suci at RS Mandaya Royal Puri
dr. Suci is a cardiologist with extensive expertise in interventional cardiology and the management of various vascular diseases. She has treated a wide range of vascular conditions, including venous thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins.
She completed her medical degree and cardiology specialization at Universitas Indonesia. Her skills are further strengthened by international trainings and workshops, including:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy & Ultrasound on Vascular Disease, Belgium (2017)
- Workshop on Endovascular Therapy, Netherlands (2017)
- Coronary and Vascular Workshop in TCTAP, South Korea (2019)
- Endovascular Workshop at APVIC, India (2019)
As an interventional cardiology and vascular consultant, she is proficient in various essential procedures, such as:
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
- IFR & FFR
- Non-invasive vascular diagnostics
- Endovascular intervention
- Endovenous ablation therapy
With a strong educational background and international experience, dr. Suci provides comprehensive, high-standard care for patients with heart and vascular disorders.
Clinic Hours at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Monday: 17:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Friday: 17:00 – 20:00 WIB
For easier appointments, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app available on Google Play and the App Store to check queue numbers and access complete information.
