National PAD Awareness Month

Why Early Detection Matters

PAD Awareness Month is a national campaign to promote early detection, reduce preventable amputations, and close the gaps in awareness that leave millions of Americans undiagnosed. PAD affects more than 10 million Americans and is a factor in 400 amputations each day, making it the largest cause of nontraumatic amputations in the United States. [1] Despite those numbers, nearly 70 percent of those living with PAD do not know they have it. This month is the opportunity to change that. 

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease? 

PAD is a circulatory condition in which plaque builds up in the artery walls, restricting blood flow to the legs, feet, and ankles. As blood flow becomes increasingly limited, the body cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the extremities, leading to a range of symptoms that worsen over time. 

Common signs of PAD include: 

• Pain or cramping in the legs, hips, or thighs, especially during activity 

• Fatigue or heaviness in the legs 

• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet 

• Slow-healing or non-healing wounds on the legs or feet 

• Skin discoloration, shiny skin, or loss of leg hair 

• Slowed toenail growth 

• Difficulty walking 

Because symptoms can be subtle or mimic normal aging, many people live with PAD for years without a diagnosis. Patients often dismiss common signs of PAD as part of normal aging, unaware that persistent symptoms could signal a serious health problem.

Who Is at Risk? 

PAD can affect anyone, but certain factors raise your risk significantly. You may be at greater risk if you: 

• Are over the age of 50 

• Smoke or have a history of smoking 

• Have diabetes 

• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol 

• Have a personal or family history of vascular disease 

• Are African American 

Black people are twice as likely to suffer from PAD and up to four times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to white people, and Hispanic adults also experience worse outcomes. Among Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 80 percent report never having a doctor or healthcare provider discuss PAD with them. Closing that gap starts with awareness and access to screening.[2]

What Happens If PAD Goes Untreated? 

Without treatment, PAD progresses. Arteries continue to narrow, blood flow continues to decline, and the consequences become more severe. Untreated PAD can lead to: 

• Gangrene 

• Heart attack 

• Stroke 

• Amputation 

Left undiagnosed or untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia — the most severe form of the disease — which, without diagnosis and intervention, may lead to unnecessary amputation. 

PAD Treatment Without Surgery

At USA Vascular Centers, our vascular specialists offer screening for PAD using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, a simple, noninvasive evaluation that compares blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm to detect signs of restricted blood flow. 

For patients who have already been diagnosed with PAD, we offer FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment options performed on an outpatient basis, including: 

• Angioplasty 

• Stent placement 

• Atherectomy 

These revascularization procedures are designed to restore blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of serious complications — without the recovery time of traditional surgery. Our specialists also provide ongoing care and guidance on lifestyle changes that can slow the progression of PAD over time. 

Protect Your Vascular Health

PAD Awareness Month is the right time to take action. If you have one or more risk factors for PAD, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule a screening with a vascular specialist at USA Vascular Centers. If you are already experiencing symptoms, a specialist can evaluate your condition and build a personalized treatment plan. 

Early detection saves limbs and lives. Find a USA Vascular Centers location near you and take the first step toward protecting your vascular health this September. 

PAD Awareness Month is the right time to take action. Find a USA Vascular Centers’ location near you and get screened this September.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

 [1] CLI Global Society

[2] Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions