Swollen feet are not always a minor issue—they can be a sign of heart disease, particularly peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition occurs when blood flow to the legs becomes obstructed due to narrowed arteries, leading to swelling and pain. Understanding the causes and symptoms is essential so you can detect PAD early and prevent more serious complications.
To treat patients with peripheral artery disease, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by dr. Suci Indriani, Sp.JP (K), FIHA, a cardiologist specializing in interventional cardiology and vascular therapy. She has extensive experience in performing revascularization procedures to restore blood flow in PAD cases, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and personalized medical care.
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Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease and Its Symptoms
Peripheral artery disease occurs when the arteries in certain parts of the body—most commonly the legs—become narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This narrowing reduces blood flow to the limbs, preventing tissues from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients.
PAD is closely related to heart disease because both conditions share the same underlying mechanism: atherosclerosis. This means that when someone experiences narrowed arteries in the legs, there’s a high likelihood of similar narrowing in the coronary arteries. For this reason, PAD is often considered an “early warning sign” of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
In other words, PAD is not just a problem in the legs—it is a systemic disease indicating circulation issues throughout the body.
PAD can cause a variety of symptoms, especially in the legs. Common symptoms include:
- Swollen feet due to poor circulation
- Leg pain, especially when walking (claudication)
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Cold feet, especially compared to the other side
- Skin discoloration (pale or bluish)
- Wounds on the feet that are slow to heal
- Calf cramps, especially at night
- Slow nail growth or hair loss on the legs due to reduced circulation
The more severe the arterial blockage, the more noticeable the symptoms. Without treatment, PAD can progress to serious conditions such as chronic wounds, infections, and even risk of amputation.
Complications of Untreated PAD
If not properly managed, PAD may lead to:
- Ischemia/gangrene
- Amputation
- Infection
- Chronic ulcers
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Erectile dysfunction
Revascularization Procedures for PAD at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
To help address swelling caused by PAD, dr. Suci at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri can perform revascularization procedures.
This procedure aims to restore blood flow to tissues or organs that lack adequate supply due to narrowed or blocked arteries. In PAD cases, revascularization focuses on reopening blood flow in the leg arteries.
Revascularization includes various techniques, such as balloon angioplasty, stent placement when needed, removal of blood clots, and the use of specialized tools that remove plaque from the artery walls using a “drilling-like” mechanism.
According to dr. Suci, the principle of PAD treatment is similar to interventional cardiology—when blood flow is obstructed, the passage must be reopened so that circulation returns to optimal levels.
This is a minimally invasive procedure performed using a catheter, so patients do not need major surgery. The access point is typically through a blood vessel in the thigh. The first step is angiography, which provides a detailed view of the blood vessels and helps determine the location and severity of the blockage.
Once the artery structure is clearly identified, the doctor will choose the most appropriate technique for each patient. The treatment may include balloon angioplasty, stent placement, clot aspiration, or the use of specialized devices to remove plaque from the arterial wall.
Not all patients require stents, as the primary goal is to restore blood flow so oxygen and nutrients can reach the legs properly. With improved circulation, foot tissues remain healthy and further damage can be prevented.
dr. Suci’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Suci Indriani, Sp.JP (K), FIHA is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play or the App Store to view queue numbers and access complete hospital information.
