Vascular Specialist of Central Florida Urges Greater Awareness During September PAD Awareness Month
Orlando, FL – September marks peripheral artery disease (PAD) awareness month. A staggering 18 million Americans1 suffer from this potentially life threatening disease which is greater than the number of Americans suffering from stroke (6.8 million)2, cancer (13 million)3, and coronary artery disease (16.3 million)4. If untreated, those who suffer from PAD are at risk of very serious consequences. The 5 year mortality rate is 30%5 which is greater than the rates for prostate cancer (less than 1%)6 and breast cancer (11%)7. For the nearly 3.5 million people who suffer from the worst form of PAD called critical limb ischemia (CLI)8, the 5 year mortality rate shoots up to 67%5 which is greater than that for colorectal cancer (36%)9 and stroke (41%)10. Despite the severity of PAD, only 26% of Americans are familiar with it, making it the most serious disease most people have never heard of.
Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease
During PAD Awareness Month this September, Vascular Specialists of Central Florida urges people to learn more about this dangerous disease—the risk factors, the symptoms and the treatment options—in order to save limbs and lives. With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients can manage the symptoms of PAD and avoid the worst complications, such as amputation or heart attacks.
PAD Symptoms to Look Out For
The symptoms of PAD can often be overlooked by those suffering from the disease, which may allow the disease to progress to a more severe state before it is diagnosed. The most common symptoms are:
- Leg pain that occurs when walking or exercising and disappears when the activity stops
- Tired legs, cramping, heaviness or coldness in the lower legs
- Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep: cold or numbness in the feet or toes
- Wounds on the legs or feet that are slow to heal (more associated with CLI)
“Considering the high number of people who suffer from PAD and the seriousness of its effects, this disease is disturbingly overlooked,” said Mary Yost; President/Co-Founder of THE SAGE GROUP, a leading PAD research consulting firm. “People should be aware of the risks, and talk to a physician if they think they may have PAD.”
How is PAD Treated?
There are several treatment options for those with PAD that can help patients reclaim their quality of life. Lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking and eating healthier, or medications, can be effective for many people with PAD. In severe cases, various procedures including minimally invasive Endovascular surgery or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the limbs to prevent an amputation.
References:
1)Schiavetta A, et al. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 2012; 1:572-578. And Sage Report 2010; 2) Go AS, et al. Circulation. 2014;129:e28 292.Howlader N, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2010. Accessed April 17, 2014.; 4)Herlitz J, Hjalmarson A, Karlson BW, et al. 5-year mortality rate in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction in relation to early diagnosis. Cardiology. 1988; 75(4):250-9.; 6) SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Prostate. National Cancer Institute Web site. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html. Accessed April 24, 2013.; 7) SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Breast. National Cancer Center Institute Web site. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html. Accessed April 24, 2013.; 8) Ljungman C, et al.Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 1996; 11:176-182.; 9) SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Colon and Rectum. National Cancer Institute Web site.http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html. Accessed April 24, 2013.; 10) Hartmann A, Rundek T, Mast H, et al. Mortality and causes of death after first ischemic stroke: the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study. Neurology. 2001; 57:2000-2005.; 11. Joosten MM, Pai JK, Bertoia ML, et al. Associations Between Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease in Men. JAMA 2012;308(16):1660-1667