Your blood vessels are a 60,000-mile highway system — and when part of it narrows, weakens, or clots, your body sends signals worth listening to. The vascular team at Saint Joseph Health System diagnoses and treats circulation problems for patients across Mishawaka and South Bend, including peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and blood clots.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
PAD develops when plaque narrows the arteries that carry blood to the legs. The classic sign is cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or hips when you walk that eases when you rest. Other clues include cold feet, sores on the feet or toes that heal slowly, and numbness. PAD matters twice over: it limits your mobility, and it signals that arteries elsewhere — including the heart — may be narrowing too. People with diabetes or a history of smoking face higher risk and benefit most from early evaluation.
Aortic aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened artery wall — most often in the aorta, the body's main artery. Most cause no symptoms and are found on imaging done for other reasons, which is exactly why screening matters for those at higher risk, such as older adults who have smoked. Small aneurysms are typically watched with scheduled imaging; larger ones can be repaired before they become dangerous. [VERIFY AAA screening program details] Sudden, severe belly, chest, or back pain in someone with an aneurysm is an emergency — call 911.
Carotid artery disease
The carotid arteries in your neck supply the brain. When plaque narrows them, the risk of stroke rises — sometimes announced by a warning episode of sudden weakness, numbness, vision change, or slurred speech that passes. Any stroke symptom means calling 911, even if it fades. Our team evaluates carotid narrowing with a simple ultrasound and works alongside our stroke care program to lower your risk.
Blood clots and DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Warning signs include swelling in one leg, pain or tenderness that can feel like a cramp that won't release, warmth, and skin that looks reddened or discolored. A suspected DVT needs prompt evaluation — same day — because a clot that breaks free can travel to the lungs. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain means call 911. Treatment usually involves blood-thinning medication and follow-up to protect the vein.
How we diagnose and treat vascular conditions
Most vascular evaluations start simply: a painless ultrasound, blood pressure comparisons between the arm and ankle to check leg circulation, and a careful exam. Treatment begins with the fundamentals — a supervised walking program for PAD, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and support to quit smoking — plus medications that protect the vessels. When a blockage or aneurysm needs repair, our team offers procedures ranging from minimally invasive treatments to surgery, and will explain which approach fits your situation. For varicose veins and other surface vein problems, visit our dedicated vein care page. Existing patients can message the team anytime through MyChart.
Frequently asked questions
Often a deep cramp or charley horse that doesn't release, with swelling, warmth, or color change in one leg. Get it checked the same day.
No — but cramping that reliably appears with walking and eases with rest is PAD's signature pattern, and it's worth a simple circulation test to find out.
Screening is often recommended for older adults with a smoking history, and for people with a family history of aneurysm. Ask your provider whether a one-time ultrasound makes sense for you.
The biggest levers are not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, managing diabetes, and staying active — the same habits that protect your heart protect every vessel.
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