About P.A.D.

P.A.D. is a common condition that affects 8-12 million people in the US every year. It is a type of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) that is characterized by the narrowing of the arteries most commonly in the legs caused by plaque build-up, often referred to as Atherosclerosis. The plaque build-up then diminishes the blood supply to the extremities, potentially causing harmful complications.

P.A.D. is a serious under-diagnosed, under-treated disease. It is often referred to as a silent killer, as most people show no symptoms of P.A.D. If you have P.A.D. your chances of a long life are reduced dramatically, and the risk of heart attack or stroke is increased 7-10 times. Over 120,000 amputations, in the US, annually are caused from P.A.D. The most evident symptom is leg pain when exercising, which subsides with rest - referred to as claudication. Unfortunately, most people attribute pain while walking or exercising to the aging process and don’t receive proper diagnoses – leg pain is NOT normal.

Who is at risk for P.A.D.?
As we age, our risk of P.A.D. progressively increases. Other risk factors include:
  • Diabetes
  • Smoke Currently or in the Past
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Family History of Heart Disease
  • Previous Heart Disease

All of these risk factors are cumulative.

How does the Doctor test for P.A.D.?
The most common test for diagnosing P.A.D. is a simple non-invasive test called the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). The ABI exam is the “Gold Standard” for diagnosing P.A.D., which uses Doppler equipment along with blood pressure cuffs and aneroid. The test measures the systolic pressure of the lower and upper extremities, similar to checking your blood pressure. If the ankle pressure is lower than the arm pressure you may have some stage of Peripheral Arterial Disease. The attached video, provided by the Vascular Disease Foundation and narrated by Dr. William Hiatt, explains the impact of P.A.D., how to perform the ABI exam and how to interpret the results.

Is there a cure for P.A.D.?
Although there is no cure for P.A.D., there are many ways to treat the disease. Depending on the severity of the disease it can be as straightforward as good healthcare practices including diet, exercise and elimination of smoking. Medications are available that reduce the plaque build-up, and in severe cases of P.A.D. there are many different forms of surgery that can clear the blockage. For a broader analysis and explanation of P.A.D. including treatment options, visit the website of the Vascular Disease Foundation www.aboutpad.org.