Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease affects more than 200 million people worldwide. More commonly known as “PAD,” the disease can cause pain, impaired mobility and even the loss of limbs.

Learn more about the condition through PACH’s resources.

VIDEOS

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The Importance of PAD Screening

Anahita Dua, MD, explains that symptomless PAD can be a silent killer. That's why screening, testing and education are critical for patients.

Ann's Story: A Journey Through Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease patients like Ann Roy are commonly misdiagnosed with arthritis. Listen to her journey in this video.

Peripheral Artery Disease 101

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, happens when arteries become narrow or blocked, and can cause a heart attack or stroke.

PAPERS

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Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which arteries are narrowed and there is reduced blood flow to the arms or legs. PAD is usually a sign of a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This can cause pain in these extremities.

Addressing Unmet Needs in Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease affects more than 200 million people worldwide. More commonly known as “PAD,” the disease can cause pain, impaired mobility and even the loss of limbs.

In the United States, peripheral artery disease is already a serious health concern, affecting as many as 12 million Americans. Yet the disease’s toll is expected to rise as the population ages, as obesity rates increase and as diabetes becomes more common.

BLOGS

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Early Detection is Key to Dealing with Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease, known as PAD, can cause serious health consequences. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack, a stroke or even amputation.

Supporting Employees With Cardiovascular Disease Is A Smart Business Practice

In the United States, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. Cardiovascular diseases can manifest through a number of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis.

Addressing Unmet Needs in Peripheral Artery Disease

As an aging America faces rising rates of obesity and diabetes, people may also find themselves facing a dangerous cardiovascular disease.

GRAPHICS

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Social Graphic

Infographic

Social Media Toolkit

Use this suggested copy to join the conversation on social media. Don’t forget to attach the social graphics from above to your post.

Hashtags: #PAD #PADAwarnessMonth #PADAwareness #cardiohealth #access #PADscreening

Tags: @advcardiohealth

Twitter

#PAD starts with mild or no symptoms. We join @advcardiohealth to advocate for increased #PADscreenings to catch #PAD while it can be easily managed. #PADAwarenessMonth

Painful leg cramping or changes in the skin are usually the first signs of #PAD. Talk to your doctor about #PADscreeing. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxnWK3 #PADAwarenessMonth

Are you a smoker? Cigarette smoking is one of the most important risk factors in the development of #PAD. Know your risk factors and ask your doctor about #PADscreening. #PADAwarenessMonth

#PAD disproportionally affects minorities. Let’s work to optimize health literacy and educate at-risk communities about #PAD and the need for #PADscreenings. #PADAwarenssMonth

Employers should look for benefit plans that include #PADscreening to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. A #healthy workplace is a happy workplace. Learn more here. #PADAwarenessMonth

Don’t assume pain is part of the aging process. #PAD misdiagnosis can lead to devastating outcomes. Learn more from patient advocate Ann Roy. https://bit.ly/3dzE51W #PADAwarenessMonth

Facebook and LinkedIn

PAD starts with mild or no symptoms. September is PAD Awareness Month, and we want to see an increase in PAD screenings to improve outcomes and save lives. Learn more here. #PADAwarenessMonth

Are you at risk for peripheral artery disease? Talk to your clinician about PAD screening if you are over 60 or experience pain in your feet, legs, or hips. Don’t dismiss pain as part of the aging process. #PADAwarenessMonth
Knowing PAD risk factors can save you from losing a limb or experiencing a heart attack or stroke. If you are at risk, talk to your clinician about ways to improve your cardiovascular health. https://bit.ly/3bxnWK3 #PADAwarenessMonth

Black, Hispanic, and Native American patients have a substantially greater risk of developing PAD and requiring amputations than white patients. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a simple way to screen for PAD. Education and screening can save lives. Learn more about the unmet needs in the PAD community here. #PADAwarenessMonth
Employers should look for benefit plans that include PAD screening to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. A #healthy workplace is a happy workplace. Learn more here. #PADAwarenessMonth

Patient Ann Roy was misdiagnosed, leading to a painful journey, physically and emotionally. Learn more about her story and why she advocates for PAD awareness and screenings. https://bit.ly/3dzE51W

Newsletter/Blog

Title: Screenings Necessary for Early PAD Detection

Imagine having a life-threatening disease but not experiencing symptoms. Unfortunately, this is the case for nearly 50% of people with peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when blockages arise in the arteries, usually in the legs. The fatty plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, can stop or decrease blood flow from your heart, causing symptoms from mild leg pain to stroke or death. More than half of Americans living with the loss of a limb had amputations because of vascular diseases. Given the severity of PAD complications, we call for more screenings and early detection as we observe PAD Awareness Month in September.

While the consequences of PAD are frightening, perhaps the scariest part of the disease is that many of those suffering from PAD don’t know they have it. According to the American Heart Association, only a third of those with PAD experience intermittent cramping leg pain induced by exercise and relieved with rest. Unlike other medical conditions, PAD can go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years, all while lurking under the surface, threatening a person’s health and quality of life.

Early screening is critical, considering the asymptomatic nature of the disease. Those with high-risk factors, including cigarette smokers, obesity, and patients with a family history, are more likely to develop PAD — other factors such as age, race, and other social determinants of health factors into PAD diagnosis. PAD is more prevalent in older populations, among Black and Hispanic communities.

A simple and non-invasive screening for PAD called the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) uses a blood pressure cuff around your lower leg. We urge patients with leg pain or high-risk factors to talk to their providers about PAD and the need to be screened. Early PAD detection saves lives and limbs.