Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Do you have leg pain when you walk? It could be PAD.

WHAT IS PAD?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by plaque building up on the inside of the walls of arteries that carry blood to your extremities. Your arteries then start a process called atherosclerosis, during which they harden and narrow. This is why PAD can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR PAD?

• Current or former smoker
• Diabetics
• History of high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
• History or Family history of heart disease, stroke, or mini-stroke
• Age 50+

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PAD:

• Leg pain with walking that is relieved with rest
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Sores/wounds on your legs or feet that are slow to heal

*Please note that 30-50 percent of patients DO NOT show signs or symptoms. It’s important to have regular appointments with your physician.

PAD CAN BE TREATED

Your doctor may choose to do lifestyle or medication changes such as:

• Quitting Smoking
• Managing Your Diabetes
• Eating Healthier
• Regular Exercise
• Blood Thinners

MOST COMMON PROCEDURES

Your doctor may recommend the following procedures to treat advanced PAD signs and symptoms:

ANGIOPLASTY:
A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is placed inside a blocked artery and then inflated to restore overall blood flow.

STENT:
A tiny tube will be placed inside an artery to keep it open and increase blood flow to a specific area.

ATHERECTOMY:
A minimally invasive procedure using an advanced medical device to help open your arteries.

BYPASS SURGERY:
A surgical procedure that uses a blood vessel or synthetic tube to bypass blockages in your artery.

DID YOU KNOW?

If left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation. More than 160,000 amputations are performed each year due to PAD. Learn more in this brochure from the organization Take A Stand Against Amputation.