Here's when to consider screening for peripheral artery disease

Today, one disease affects 10 million Americans and is the most common cause of limb amputation outside of trauma. Yet, 70% of Americans don't know what it is or what signs to look for. That condition is called peripheral artery disease, or PAD.

With PAD, plaque buildup narrows arteries in the limbs, usually the legs, and reduces blood flow. During American Heart Month, the PAD Pulse Alliance, a coalition of four leading medical societies dedicated to improving vascular health, is raising awareness of PAD and providing resources for people to learn more about it.

"Too often, PAD isn't caught until a patient is at risk of losing a limb. While treatment options have significantly advanced, it's critical that more people know the signs and symptoms of PAD so they can seek treatment early, saving their lives, limbs, and livelihoods," said James B. Hermiller, MD, MSCAI, president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). "By providing resources and encouraging early screening, we can help prevent the severe consequences of PAD."

A resource for patients and doctors

The PAD Pulse Alliance has developed www.PADPulse.org to offer a wealth of resources for patients and caregivers. These include an interactive patient toolkit, links to find a physician, and animated videos that help explain PAD.

"Patients should know the risk factors for PAD so that they don't dismiss symptoms as just 'getting older,'" said Robert J. Lewandowski, MD, FSIR, president of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). "If you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or tobacco use, you should talk to your doctor about being screened for PAD."

What Is PAD?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic condition where plaque—a sticky substance made of fat and cholesterol—builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs. Over time, this plaque can gradually narrow the arteries. If it progresses, blood flow in that artery can become partially or completely blocked.

"Individuals with PAD often experience leg pain, cramping, or fatigue while walking or climbing stairs, which often subsides with rest," said Matthew Eagleton, MD, DFSVS, president of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). "Other symptoms include wounds or ulcers on the legs or feet that do not heal and changes in skin color, temperature, or sensation. Helping patients better understand PAD and potential symptoms is critical because if left untreated, PAD can result in gangrene, amputation, stroke, or death."

The stark disparities in PAD awareness and outcomes are particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic adults. Nearly 80% of individuals from these communities report never having a health care provider discuss PAD with them. Black people are twice as likely to suffer from PAD and up to four times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to white people.

"Due to the high prevalence of PAD in communities of color, it is crucial for both health care professionals and patients to identify and implement preventive strategies, address risk factors, and take prompt action when symptoms arise," said Anthony M. Fletcher, MD, FSCAI, president of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC).

Know your 3 for PAD

The PAD Pulse Alliance urges everyone to take three essential steps to get a pulse on PAD:

1. Know your risk factors: High blood pressure, diabetes, and tobacco use are the top three risk factors for PAD.
2. Don't ignore symptoms: If you experience leg pain while walking that goes away after rest, contact your doctor. This is a common sign of PAD and should not be ignored.
3. Kick off the conversation with your doctor: Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe outcomes.

More information:
The PAD Pulse Alliance invites everyone to join the campaign and help spread the word about PAD, especially during American Heart Month. For more information, visit www.PADPulse.org or follow the campaign on social media using #PulseonPAD.

Provided by Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions