Peripheral Arterial Disease

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects 8 to 12 million Americans and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

• Prevalence increases dramatically with age and disproportionately affects African- Americans.

• In its early stages, common symptoms of poor leg circulation are cramping, fatigue, heaviness, pain or discomfort in the legs and buttocks during activity. This usually subsides when the activity stops. It is called intermittent claudication.

• In the later stages, pain may occur at rest or even if you are lying down. Ulceration, gangrene and limb loss are possible with severe peripheral arterial disease.

• Persons with PAD have impaired function and quality of life. This is true for persons who do not report any leg symptoms.

• PAD is a marker for systemic atherosclerotic disease and people with PAD, compared to those without, have a 4 to 5 times greater risk of dying of a cardiovascular event such as heart attack or stroke.

Most people with PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes, medicines or both. Lifestyle changes to lower your risk include stopping smoking, controlling diabetes, controlling blood pressure, be physically active, and eating a low-saturated fat and low cholesterol diet.