Are you at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Do you have cardiovascular (heart) problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have a family history of diabetes (immediate family such as parent, sister or brother)?
Do you have a family history of cardiovascular problems?
Do you have aching, cramping or pain in your legs when you walk or exercise, but then the pain goes away after you rest?
Do you have pain in your toes or feet at night?
Do you have any ulcers or sores on your feet or legs that are slow to heal?
Do you smoke?
Have you ever smoked?
Are you more than 25 pounds overweight?
Do you eat fried or fatty foods three times a week or more?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be at an increased risk for PAD. Many people simply live with their pain, assuming it is a normal part of aging, rather than reporting it to their doctor. Even if you don't experience the exact symptoms listed, talk to your care provider about setting up an appointment for a PAD screening today.

Did you know?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a disease affects 10 million Americans.
The most common symptom of PAD is leg when walking or exercising, which disappears of rest.
Other symptoms of PAD include:
- Numbness or tingling in the lower legs and
- Coldness in the lower legs and feet
- Ulcers or sores on the legs or feet that don't
PAD can happen to anyone, regardless of age, common in men and women over age 50.
PAD can develop as a result of arteriosclerosis hardening of the arteries), atherosclerosis (fat and cholesterol build-up inside the arteries) or a blood clot forming in an artery.
Risk factors for PAD include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart or vascular disease, being overweight, and a lack of exercise or physical activity.
Prevention and treatment of PAD include reducing risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes and/or medications.
Treatment options for PAD include lifestyle changes, angioplasty (inflating a tiny balloon in the artery), stenting (coil to hold open the blocked artery), atherectomy (removal of plaque), thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs), thrombectomy (removal of the blood clot), and bypass graft (creating a detour around the blocked artery).