What is PAD?
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (or PAD) affects over 8.5 million people in the United States.
- PAD is the narrowing or the blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs.
- PAD is caused by the accumulation of fatty plaque in the blood vessel walls.
- PAD leads to decreased blood flow causing severe pain and discomfort when walking.
- Arterial ulcers (leg wounds) develop as a result of damage to the arteries due to lack of blood flow to tissue.
- When left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputations.
- People with PAD have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.
Diabetes and PAD
- There are approximately 500,000 diabetics
in Louisiana
- Diabetes is a major cause of nontraumatic amputations
- Diabetes costs Louisiana over $5 BILLION dollars each year (a large part of this expense goes
toward amputations)
Early diagnosis can save limbs
- Do you have leg or foot wounds that are slow to heal?
- Check for change in color of your feet and ankles.
- Check for pulse in your feet.
- Do you have decreased nail and hair growth on your toes, feet, or legs?
- Do you have leg pain or cramping, especially during exercise or walking?
Risk factors for Perphieral Arterial Disease
- A history of smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
- Advanced Age
- High blood pressure
- A family history of PAD
- High cholesterol
