Peripheral Artery Disease
diagnosis & treatment
If you are 55 with a history of smoking or diabetes, or if you are 70 years of age you may participate in a free Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening.
To schedule a Free Screening call
906-225-7587 or 1-866-644-8272
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Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition that affects the arteries outside the heart. These arteries include the aorta (largest artery) and arteries of the upper and lower limbs, head, and organs. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood with oxygen from your heart to the rest of your body. PAD occurs when blood flow to a body part is decreased or stopped. Oxygen cannot get to that body part, and over time, this lack of oxygen may lead to tissue and organ damage. This may happen when the artery becomes narrowed, weakened, or blocked. Atherosclerosis, which causes fatty deposits (plaques) to build up in arteries, is the most common cause of PAD.
Signs and symptoms depend on what part of the body was affected and how much damage was done. The lower limbs are the first and most common part of the body affected by PAD. You may have muscle pain or cramping in your hip, thigh, calf, or foot. This usually occurs when walking or exercising, and goes away with rest. Over time, you may have severe pain that may happen even at rest, especially while lying down.
Diagnosis: A member of our vascular team will perform a free PAD screening (peripheral artery disease). He or she will examine you by checking the pulses in your feet, legs, and groin. You will be asked questions about your medical history, risk factors, as well as symptoms of pain and/or numbness in the lower extremities. A ankle/brachial index (ABI) will also be performed. This noninvasive test compares the blood pressure between the arms and legs.
An abnormal (ABI) may indicate decreased circulation requiring further diagnostic evaluation which may include: blood tests, ultrasound, computerized tomography / angiography (CTA) scanning, magnetic resonance angiography (MRI), or Arteriography. |
Know the FACTS |
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1 out of 5 Americans over 70 has PAD |
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1 out of 3 people with diabetes over age 50 is likely to have PAD |
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PAD is the leading cause of amputations in people with diabetes |
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Smokers and former smokers face up to 4 times the risk for PAD as people who have never smoked |
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PAD affects more than 12 million Americans |
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People with untreated PAD are 6 times more likely to suffer a cardiovascular death |
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Without early detection and proper treatment, 1 in 4 people with PAD will suffer a heart attack, stroke, amputation or die within the next 5 years |
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Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease |
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Cramps, tiredness or pain in the legs, thighs, or buttocks that happens when you walk; but goes away when you rest. |
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Foot or toe pain at rest that may interfere with sleep. |
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Numbness or tingling in the lower legs and feet. |
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Skin coolness in the lower legs and feet. |
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Skin wounds (ulcers) on your feet or toes that are slow to heal, or do not heal completely. |
Risk factors for Peripheral Artery disease
* Diabetes
* Smoking
* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol
* Family history of heart or vascular disease
If you are 55 with a history of smoking or diabetes, or if you are 70 years of age you may participate in a free Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening.
To schedule a Screening call
906-225-7587 or 1-866-644-8272 |
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