Millions of Americans are living with peripheral artery disease (PAD), and many don’t know it. That’s because PAD doesn’t always cause symptoms, even as it increases your odds of:
Preventing PAD and its dangerous complications begins with a simple question: Am I at risk? For PAD Awareness Month this September, our team at Sunnyvale Cardiology in Sunnyvale, Texas, is here to help you determine exactly that — and offer guidance on how to protect your health.
Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries from the buildup of fatty plaque. Cardiovascular conditions arising from atherosclerosis, including PAD, rank as the leading cause of death, both in the United States and worldwide.
PAD develops when sticky plaque accumulates in arteries outside the heart — most frequently, in the lower extremities. These fatty deposits gradually make blood vessels narrower, slowing the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected extremities.
Often, PAD doesn’t cause tell-tale symptoms like cramping leg pain until it’s already advanced, well past the “prime time” to reverse course with conservative care measures. And sometimes, even advanced cases of PAD don’t trigger typical symptoms.
PAD is most treatable in its earliest stages. Because these stages are often “silent,” however, most people don’t seek medical care until much later. Fortunately, you can still get ahead of PAD — and possibly prevent it altogether — by understanding your risk.
About 12 million Americans over the age of 40 have been diagnosed with PAD, but experts surmise that millions more are unaware that they are living with the disease. Could you be one of them? The following factors can help you get an idea of your personal risk:
Anyone can develop PAD, but the risk is highest among adults aged 60 or older, as well as those with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Black people have a higher risk of PAD — and PAD complications — than people of other racial backgrounds.
As with other cardiovascular conditions, some of the most significant PAD risk factors are avoidable, modifiable, or manageable. These include daily lifestyle choices like:
Certain long-term health conditions can also increase your risk of PAD, including:
Chronic illness risk factors for PAD are most significant when they’re uncontrolled; treatment and proper disease management can help mitigate that risk.
Smoking and diabetes are two leading PAD risk factors: People in these groups are up to four times more likely to develop PAD than those who don’t smoke or have diabetes.
The bottom line? PAD risk is cumulative, meaning the more “risk factor boxes” you check on this list, the greater your chances of developing the disease.
If you’re concerned about your PAD risk — especially if you’re also having symptoms like leg pain during exercise, sporadic “pins-and-needles” sensations in your legs or feet, or burning foot pain when you’re resting at night — come see our team.
Luckily, the very same healthy lifestyle changes and interventions that can help prevent PAD can also slow its progression and keep it under control. Whether an evaluation reveals you have early-stage PAD or you’re just at risk of it, we may create a plan to help you:
Understanding your personal risk level for PAD is the first step in taking control of your health — and Sunnyvale Cardiology is here to help. Call our office today, or request an appointment online at your convenience.
