September - Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month
The goal is to increase the public’s awareness about the risks of the disease as well as its relationships with other vascular diseases. Peripheral Vascular Disease can involve peripheral veins (blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart) or Peripheral Artery Disease, a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a buildup of extra cholesterol and plague in the arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart), typically in the leg, which results in reduced or blocked blood flow to the legs and feet.
Risks for PAD include:
- Smokers or former smokers
- Over age 50
- Chronic kidney disease
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Family history of PAD or other vascular disease
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Improper diet
Signs and Symptoms may include:
- Non-healing wounds in feet or toes
- Foot ulcers or sores
- Lower temperature in one leg
- Poor nail growth
- Decreased hair growth on leg, foot or toes
- Color changes in your skin
- Leg cramps in calves or thighs
- Foot pain
- Painful or tired legs while walking
- Cramping or fatigue in the legs, buttocks or feet during activity
The overall goals for treating PAD are to:
- Reduce symptoms
- Improve quality of life and mobility
- Prevent heart attack and/or stroke
- Prevent amputation
The three main approaches to treating PAD are:
- Making lifestyle changes, like stop smoking, exercising regularly, and making healthy dietary choices. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water especially when exercising to prevent cramping. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
- Taking medication as prescribed
- Having the appropriate procedure performed to improve blood flow
Talk to your health care provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
References: www.mayoclinic.orgdiseases>conditions; National Institute of Health (NIH)
About the Author: Lena McCullum is a retired Registered Nurse with over fifty years of nursing experience in Medical-Surgical nursing, Post Anesthesia Care, Emergency Room and Patient Care Coordinator in Behavioral Health. She currently serves as the Servant Leader of the Health and Wellness Ministry and the Chronic Illness Support Group.