It is estimated that 1 in 20 Americans over the age of 50 suffer from peripheral vascular disease, or PAD.  Despite the high prevalence of this disease, many people - even those who suffer from it - know very little about it.  We here at Northwest Vein Center, vascular specialists in Seattle and the Bellingham area, believe that part of quality patient care is to provide information to our patients about the conditions that effect them.  Learning about PAD, including causes and treatments, is the first step in taking control of your health in order to live a full and happy life.  To that end,  here are some straight up facts about PAD:

• PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become stiff, narrow and possibly blocked off due to plaques of fatty deposits. 
• People who have PAD are also at an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. 
• Not everyone who has PAD suffers from symptoms.  In fact, 75% of people with PAD do not have symptoms. 
• Cramping in the lower legs when walking, or claudication, is the most common symptom of PAD. 
• The majority of people who experience symptoms from their PAD don’t tell their health care provider because they believe it’s just a normal part of aging. 
• PAD untreated can lead to amputation.
• People who smoke, or who used to smoke, have a four-times greater risk of getting PAD.
• One in three people who are over 50 and have diabetes are at a greater risk of developing PAD. 
• People who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are at a greater risk of PAD.
• African-Americans are twice as likely than Caucasians to develop PAD.
• People who have had a heart attack or stroke have a one in three chance to also have PAD. 
• Poorly healing sores on the feet or legs can be a symptom of PAD.
• Skin color changes and decreased temperature in a  limb can be signs of PAD.
• An ABI, or ankle-brachial index test, is a simple, non-invasive test your family doctor can perform to help determine if the blood pressure (or flow) of your arms is equal to that of your legs.  
• A doppler, or ultrasound, is a test used to determine blood flow.  It can map what specific artery is blocked. 
• MR angiogram or angiography are other tests used to make the diagnosis of PAD.  
• People can reduce their risk of getting PAD.  Smoking cessation, weight loss, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can help reduce the risk of developing PAD.  
• Lifestyle changes, medication and surgery are the 3 components to treatment of PAD.
• Medicines to help prevent the formation of blood clots is often used to treat the symptoms of PAD.
• Angioplasty and stenting, peripheral artery bypass surgery and atheroectomy are possible surgical treatment for PAD.  
• Angioplasty, stenting and surgical treatments for PAD can significantly reduce symptoms, help improve mobility and reduce the risk of amputation. 

Learning about peripheral arterial disease is the first step in reducing your risk.  Early treatment of PAD helps to minimize symptoms and decrease risk of other factors such as heart attack, stroke and amputation.  If you or someone you love has PAD, talk to your healthcare provider or contact us for an evaluation.  Your health and quality of life are important to us.