Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease is a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in your legs or arms. Over 10 million Americans have peripheral artery disease (PAD), and without proper treatment this could lead to poor circulation, heart attack or stroke.
Signs of PAD on lower extremity:
- Pain
- Numbness in legs brought on by walking, and relieved by rest
- Pain in legs/Feet at rest
- Poorly healing wounds
- Reduced or absent pedal pulses
- Hair loss on legs
Who should be tested for Peripheral Artery Disease?
The College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines on PAD identified the following groups at risk for lower extremity PAD:
- Age ≥70 years
- Age 50 to 69 years with a history of smoking or diabetes
- Age 40 to 49 with diabetes and at least one other risk factor for atherosclerosis
- Leg symptoms suggestive of claudication with exertion or ischemic pain at rest
- Abnormal lower extremity pulse examination
- Known atherosclerosis at other sites (eg, coronary, carotid, or renal artery disease)
A test will help identify obstructive disease in your arteries. Your physician will review the results and determine whether medical or surgical treatment is necessary. Early intervention leads to the prevention of ulcers, leg pain, heart attack and stroke.