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Peripheral Arterial Disease: Should I Have a Procedure or Surgery?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Peripheral Arterial Disease: Should I Have a Procedure or Surgery?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Your options

  • Have angioplasty or surgery.
  • Try medicine or a specialized exercise program to reduce leg pain.

This decision aid is for people who have symptoms from peripheral arterial disease, such as leg pain when they exercise. This decision aid is not for people who need treatment for severely limited blood flow to a leg or foot.

Key points to remember

  • Your doctor may advise you to try medicine or a specialized exercise program before you think about angioplasty, Opens dialog or surgery. Medicine or this exercise program might help you walk without pain. And they don't have the risks of surgery or angioplasty.
  • Angioplasty or surgery may help with more severe symptoms. You may want to have one of these procedures if pain or other symptoms keep you from doing your daily activities.
  • Medicine and a heart-healthy lifestyle are also part of the treatment for peripheral arterial disease. Medicine and a healthy lifestyle can help slow the progress of the disease and lower your risk of a heart attack and stroke.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.