Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs—causing symptoms including painful cramping in the lower extremities, leg numbness, and a weakened pulse in the legs or feet. Thrombolytic therapy is one of many treatment options for PAD, and has the potential to treat blood clots. Blood clots are a common complication of PAD that can lead to acute or worsening symptoms.
At the Center for Vascular Care at HCA, we are devoted to helping you improve your symptoms and quality of life if you are living with PAD. Here’s more about the benefits of thrombolytic therapy for PAD and how to contact us when you’re ready to discuss this treatment option.
What Is Thrombolytic Therapy?
Thrombolytic therapy uses medications to dissolve or break up blood clots in your arteries. When used to treat PAD, thrombolytic therapy has the potential to improve your symptoms and reduce any pain or discomfort being caused by this circulatory condition.
How Is Thrombolytic Therapy Performed?
Thrombolytic therapy can be given in one of two ways: through an intravenous (IV) line in the hand or arm or through a catheter that goes directly to the site of the blood clot. Treatment sessions can last anywhere between one and 48 hours, depending on the severity of your PAD and any related complications. The medication given to you through the IV or catheter will circulate throughout your bloodstream until it reaches and dissolves the blood clot.
What Are the Benefits Of Thrombolytic Therapy For PAD?
Blood clots that occur with PAD can increase your risk for complications including pain, pallor, and even loss of limb. All these conditions can potentially lead to disability or death. Thrombolytic therapy can prevent or remove blood clots to help you avoid or reverse these types of serious consequences.
According to results from a 2017 study published in Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, thrombolytic therapy for PAD produces higher patient survival rates and fewer instances of complications and death than surgical treatments for PAD. Compared with other treatments, thrombolytic therapy is shown to reduce the risk of amputation among patients with PAD.
Potential Risks and Complications With Thrombolytic Therapy
Thrombolytic therapy comes with several potential risks and complications like any other medical treatment or procedure.
The primary risk associated with this treatment is bleeding. Bleeding may occur at the site on the arm or hand where the IV is inserted, or from any other place on the body with a fresh wound or injury. You may also have blood in the stool or urine or experience nosebleeds, unusual or unexpected heavy vaginal bleeding, and/or bleeding in the brain. By doing a procedure where a catheter is inserted directly into the area of the blood clot, lower doses of this medication can be used, reducing the risk of bleeding.
Embolization is another potential risk associated with thrombolytic therapy. During therapy, small pieces of the dissolved blood clot can break off and travel deeper into the affected organ. This can often worsen symptoms of PAD.
Your healthcare team can talk to you in greater detail about any other risks and complications you may experience while receiving thrombolytic therapy for PAD. In many cases, the benefits of thrombolytic therapy often outweigh its potential risks and disadvantages.
At The Center for Vascular Care at HCA, our team provides the resources you need to take control of your heart health. Contact us today at (908) 806-0190 to request an appointment. We’ll discuss your treatment options and provide you with a personalized diagnosis from one of our specialists.
According to results from a 2017 study published in Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, thrombolytic therapy for PAD produces higher patient survival rates and fewer instances of complications and death than surgical treatments for PAD. Compared with other treatments, thrombolytic therapy is shown to reduce the risk of amputation among patients with PAD.
Contact The Center for Vascular Care today to make an appointment to discuss your personalized diagnosis and treatment options with one of our specialists. Our team approach to PAD provides the resources you need to take control of your heart health.