According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 8 to 12 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from PAD. According to Stand Against Amputation, over 160,000 PAD-related amputations are performed in the U.S. every year.

Who is at risk?

Get screened as soon as possible if you:

• are over 50
• overweight
• smoke (even if you quit)
• are diabetic
• have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• have non-healing wounds
• have a family history of PAD

What is PAD?

PAD is associated with atherosclerosis, which is the blockage of arteries due to the build-up of plaque. Plaque—which consists of cholesterol, calcium, waste products, and fibrin—clogs arteries and restricts blood flow by hardening and narrowing the arterial pathway.

The outer extremities are usually affected, particularly above the knee. It most commonly affects arteries located on the part of the leg that is subject to more stress because of cholesterol and plaque disease.

What are the symptoms?

You may experience:

• leg pain while walking, which is known as claudication
• cramping while walking, requiring you to stop and wait for the cramping to subside
• a resting pain in the middle of the night that feels like the front of your feet are submerged in ice, a painful sensation caused by restricted blood flow
• wounds on your legs or feet that are non-healing, pale, or causing blue skin discoloration
• toenails that are yellowish, thick, and lacking growth

What is the treatment?

There are several minimally invasive procedures to treat PAD. We will plan the best course of action for your specific medical needs and achieve optimal recovery.

What happens if PAD goes untreated?

If you do not get help to address blood flow restriction, this can lead to amputation. If the arterial network being affected involves the heart and brain, this can result in TIA (transient ischemic attack, a ministroke), heart attack, or stroke. 

How do you screen for PAD?

The first step toward optimal vascular health is as easy as checking your pulse in your leg or feet. A Doppler ultrasound is simple, non-invasive, and can save your life.

Please call or fill out the link below to schedule your PAD health screening today!