What is PAD?
Hardening of the arteries" is a common disease that causes arteries to become clogged with plaque, much like old water pipes can become clogged with debris or lime. The condition can cause heart attacks and strokes, but another effect of cardiovascular disease is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also called peripheral vascular disease, which affects the extremities, usually the toes, feet and legs. If you have PAD, you most likely have artery disease throughout the body.
Patients with PAD may have no symptoms at all, but can have pain in the feet, numbness in the feet, or pain in the leg while walking, which goes away when walking stops. If the disease gets worse and is untreated, patients may face amputation. Below are some information resources for patients and families.
You are at higher risk of PAD if you:
- Smoke or have smoked cigarettes
- Have diabetes, high cholesterol or are obese
- Are over 65
- Don't exercise much
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3 ways smoking raises the risk of amputation. Smokers are more likely to face amputations of toes, feet or legs. Here's why.
September is PAD Month - Know the Risks of Peripheral Arterial Disease. If you are healthy and 50 or younger, your PAD risk is low, but if you smoke or have diabetes your risk is much higher. And it goes up with every decade of life.
Smoking increases risk of PAD more than coronary disease or stroke. Study found risk of PAD rose at least twice as sharply as the risk for either heart disease or stroke.
'Heart Disease' Can Also Affect your Feet Kidneys and Brain. One in Five Americans Over Age 60 Have Peripheral Artery Disease.
Six Diabetes-Related Vascular Complications -- And How to Avoid them. People who live with diabetes know they have a lot of health management to do, but some may not understand that many complications stem from one primary issue.
‘Can You Save My Leg?' Researchers Have a Better Answer For Patients. Some patients who are in danger of losing an arm or leg due to hardening of the arteries have been getting more hopeful news from vascular surgeons.
The Heart and Mind Connection in Peripheral Artery Disease Improving blood flow to the organs and limbs can also be connected to how we feel in our daily lives.
Low Income PAD Patients Tend to Choose Surgery Over Exercise. Smokers and low income PAD patients are less willing to try exercise to avoid surgery.
Regular Walks Give People With Diabetes a Leg Up on Health. Diabetics are at higher risk of PAD, but one of the best things they can do for their legs is walk often.
Answers to Your FAQs about Diabetes and Leg Artery Disease. Published in EverydayHealth. Dr. George Andros, SVS Member
PRINTABLE PAD BROCHURE
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OTHER WEBSITES
Vascular Cures - PAD
National Institutes of Health - PAD
MedLine Plus - PAD