September is P.A.D. Awareness Month, a time in which the Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) Coalition works to inform Americans about the risk factors and symptoms of P.A.D.
What is P.A.D.?
P.A.D. is short for Peripheral Arterial Disease. People have P.A.D. when the arteries in their legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque. The buildup of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow, which is called atherosclerosis. When leg arteries are hardened and clogged, blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced. Some people call this poor circulation.
Symptoms include:
- Burning/aching pain in the feet and toes while resting.
- Cooling of skin in specific areas of legs or feet.
- Color changes in the skin and loss of hair.
- Toe and foot sores that do not heal.
Many people affected by PAD do not have symptoms. These individuals are at a high risk for suffering an early heart attack or stroke. Getting screened for this silent disease is important for everyone over the age of 50, but particularly for those with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends PAD screening for every diabetic age 50 and older. For more facts on PAD, visit the Vascular Disease Foundation at www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/pad/.
Are You At Risk?
An individual is at risk for developing PAD when one or more of these risk factors are present:
- Smoking - This is the number one risk factor for PAD. Those that smoke not only put themselves at risk for developing arterial disease but also undermine attempts at treatment.
- Diabetes - Individuals with diabetes are at a greater risk for developing PAD due to its effect on blood vessels.
- Age - In the United States, those 50 years or older are at greater risk to develop PAD. PAD affects both men and women, but occurs slightly more in men.
- History of Heart Disease - A family history of cardiovascular disease is an indicator for risk at developing PAD.
- High blood pressure - When blood pressure remains high, the lining of the artery walls becomes damaged. Many PAD patients also have high blood pressure.
- High levels of Homocysteine -This is an amino acid found in plasma (blood). Some recent studies show higher levels are associated with PAD.
PAD Treatment And Education
For September, the P.A.D. Coalition is launching “The Interactive Workbook about Peripheral Arterial Disease”, an online guide to help you learn more about living well with P.A.D. Visit padcoalition.org to access the best information on P.A.D. treatment and practical tips for day-to-day management and coping.
Learn More About P.A.D
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