September is National Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) awareness month.  If you have pain in your legs when walking that goes away with rest and/ or non-healing wounds or sores on your legs, then ask your CVI provider to screen you for peripheral artery disease. 

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and how can it affect you?

One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD, a condition that raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, occurs when extra cholesterol and other fats circulating in the blood collect in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to your limbs. this buildup-called plaque-narrows your arteries, often reducing or blocking the flow of blood. PAD is most commonly seen in the legs.

PAD often goes undiagnosed, so it is important to ask your healthcare provider about your risk

Plaque buildup in the legs does not always cause symptoms, so many people can have PAD and not know it.

Timely detection and treatment of PAD can improve the quality of your life; help you keep your independence and mobility; and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, leg amputation, and even death.