Same-Day Appointments Available
Most Major Insurance Accepted
Medicare & Medicaid Accepted
Same-Day Appointments Available
Most Major Insurance Accepted
Medicare & Medicaid Accepted
Home › Vascular Care › Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Vascular Care · Cypress, TX
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing of arteries outside the heart, most often in the legs, caused by plaque buildup that reduces blood flow. At Cypress Cardiovascular Institute, interventional cardiologists including Dr. Jad Daye, MD, RPVI diagnose PAD with ankle-brachial index testing and vascular ultrasound, and treat it with exercise therapy, medication and minimally invasive angioplasty, stenting and atherectomy for patients in Cypress and northwest Houston.
✓ Board-certified cardiologists
✓ Same-day appointments available
✓ Medicare, Medicaid & most insurance
Last updated: September 25, 2026 · Cypress Cardiovascular Institute
Understanding PAD
Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs, and sometimes to the arms, kidneys or other organs. Like coronary artery disease, PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis: plaque builds up in the artery walls and limits blood flow.
PAD is a sign of widespread atherosclerosis, so people with PAD also have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Without treatment, severe PAD can lead to wounds that do not heal and, in advanced cases, amputation. Early diagnosis allows treatment that protects both the legs and the heart.
Symptoms
Many people with peripheral artery disease have mild symptoms or none at all, and leg pain is often mistaken for arthritis or normal aging. PAD symptoms usually affect the calves, thighs or hips.
Cramping, aching or tiredness in the calves, thighs or hips while walking or climbing stairs that eases after a few minutes of rest.
A heavy, weak or numb feeling in the legs, especially during activity.
One foot or leg that feels colder than the other, or skin that looks pale, bluish or shiny.
Wounds or ulcers on the toes, feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all.
A weak pulse in the legs or feet, slower toenail growth, or hair loss on the legs.
Burning pain in the feet or toes while resting or lying down can signal severe PAD, known as critical limb ischemia.
Seek emergency care if a leg or foot suddenly becomes painful, cold, pale, numb or weak. This can mean an artery is suddenly blocked and needs immediate treatment. Call 911 for chest pain or stroke symptoms.
Causes & Risk Factors
Peripheral artery disease shares its causes with coronary artery disease, and smoking and diabetes are among the strongest risk factors. Because PAD often has few symptoms, people with these risk factors may benefit from a simple, painless ankle-brachial index test.
Diagnosis
A PAD evaluation includes a review of your symptoms and risk factors and a check of the pulses, skin and any wounds on your legs and feet. Vascular tests measure blood flow and show where arteries are narrowed. Many of these tests are available at our Cypress offices and imaging center.
Compares the blood pressure at your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. A lower ankle reading suggests narrowed leg arteries.
Doppler ultrasound shows blood flow through the leg arteries and pinpoints narrowing or blockages.
Ultrasound checks the aorta and neck arteries for aneurysm or plaque, because atherosclerosis often affects several arteries.
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) create detailed images of the arteries to help plan treatment.
Contrast dye and X-ray imaging during a catheter procedure map the blockage and, when appropriate, allow treatment in the same session.
Additional noninvasive vascular studies help track circulation over time and after treatment.
Learn more about each test on our Diagnostic & Imaging Services page.
Treatment Options
Peripheral artery disease treatment has two goals: relieve leg symptoms so you can walk comfortably, and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and limb complications. Treatment usually starts with exercise, lifestyle changes and medication. Minimally invasive catheter procedures are recommended when symptoms limit daily life or blood flow is severely reduced.
| Treatment | How it works | Typically considered when |
|---|---|---|
| Supervised exercise and walking | A structured walking program improves circulation and can increase pain-free walking distance. | Most people with leg pain from PAD. |
| Lifestyle changes | Quitting tobacco, managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, and daily foot care slow PAD and lower heart risk. | Everyone with PAD. |
| Medications | Antiplatelet, cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure medicines lower the risk of heart attack and stroke; some medicines may also improve walking. | Most people with PAD. |
| Peripheral angioplasty | A balloon on a thin catheter opens the narrowed artery from the inside. | Symptoms that limit daily life despite other treatment, or reduced blood flow that threatens the leg. |
| Stenting | A small mesh tube placed during angioplasty helps keep the artery open. | Arteries likely to narrow again after angioplasty alone. |
| Atherectomy | A catheter-based device removes plaque from inside the artery. | Selected blockages, including heavily calcified plaque. |
| Bypass surgery | A vascular surgeon creates a new route for blood around a long blockage. | Long or complex blockages not suited to catheter treatment. Our cardiologists coordinate referral to a vascular surgeon. |
Treatment decisions are individualized. Our interventional cardiologists also perform renal (kidney artery) angioplasty when appropriate.
What to Expect
01
Call (281) 955-9158 or request an appointment online. Same-day appointments are often available.
02
Your cardiologist asks about leg symptoms, walking distance, wounds and risk factors, and checks the pulses in your legs and feet.
03
An ankle-brachial index and vascular ultrasound are often the first tests. Both are painless and use no radiation.
04
Your plan may include a walking program, medication and risk-factor control, with a minimally invasive procedure if needed.
Your Care Team
Peripheral artery disease care at Cypress Cardiovascular Institute is provided by interventional cardiologists who perform peripheral angiography, angioplasty, stenting and atherectomy. Dr. Jad Daye holds the RPVI (Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation) credential for interpreting vascular ultrasound.
President, Interventional Cardiologist
Board-certified interventional cardiologist with expertise in coronary, structural and peripheral interventions. President of Cypress Cardiovascular Institute and Associate Professor at the University of Houston School of Medicine.
Interventional Cardiologist
Board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology, caring for patients in Cypress and surrounding areas.
Interventional Cardiologist
Board-certified cardiologist with expertise in cardiovascular conditions including hypertension and chest pain, with a patient-centered approach to treatment.
Interventional & Structural Cardiologist
Specializes in coronary and structural heart disease, including PCI, TAVR and PFO closure. Trained at Baylor College of Medicine.
Locations, Hours & Insurance
Cypress Cardiovascular Institute sees patients Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at two offices and an imaging center serving Cypress, northwest Houston, Tomball, Spring, Katy and nearby communities such as Bridgeland, Towne Lake and Fairfield.
24518 Northwest Fwy, Suite 325
Cypress, TX 77429
(281) 955-9158
Get directions
10425 Huffmeister Rd, Suite 330
Houston, TX 77065
(281) 955-8818
Get directions
24518 Northwest Fwy, Suite 345
Cypress, TX 77429
(281) 955-9158
Get directions
Insurance: Cypress Cardiovascular Institute accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurance plans for peripheral artery disease care. Coverage for specific tests and procedures depends on your plan, and our team can help you check your benefits before your visit. Insurance information
Frequently Asked Questions
PAD is treated by vascular specialists, including interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons. At Cypress Cardiovascular Institute, interventional cardiologists diagnose PAD with ABI and ultrasound testing and treat blockages with minimally invasive angioplasty, stenting and atherectomy.
It can be. Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs or hips that starts with walking and eases with rest is called claudication, the classic symptom of PAD. Arthritis, nerve problems and vein disease can also cause leg pain, so testing helps find the cause.
PAD affects arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the legs, and typically causes leg pain with walking. Varicose veins affect veins, which return blood to the heart, and often cause bulging veins, aching and swelling. Cypress Cardiovascular Institute treats both; see our Vein Care page.
ABI and ultrasound tests are painless. Angioplasty, stenting and atherectomy are performed through a small puncture in an artery using local anesthesia and sedation, so most patients feel little discomfort. Many patients go home the same day.
Yes. PAD is a sign that plaque is likely building up in other arteries, including those supplying the heart and brain. That is why PAD treatment also focuses on controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and smoking.
Cypress Cardiovascular Institute accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurance plans for peripheral artery disease care. Medically necessary vascular testing and procedures are usually covered, but copays and prior-authorization rules vary by plan.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Content provided by Cypress Cardiovascular Institute, Cypress, TX.
Same-Day Appointments Available
Same-day appointments are often available at our Cypress offices. Call (281) 955-9158 or request an appointment online.
