September is a unique month for those living with peripheral artery disease (PAD). On top of PAD Awareness Month, it’s also National Vascular Disease Awareness Month. Vascular specialists at USA Vascular Centers are doing their part to elevate awareness of vascular diseases like PAD and encourage those at risk to get screened.
What is National Vascular Disease Awareness Month?
National Vascular Disease Awareness Month is dedicated to promoting early detection screenings for vascular disease. The CDC has reported that heart disease, a type of vascular disease, is the leading cause of death in the U.S. That’s why it’s important to get screened for vascular diseases like PAD if you are at risk of developing it. Early detection and medical intervention are ways to minimize life-threatening complications that follow untreated vascular disease.
What Is Vascular Disease?
Vascular disease is an umbrella term for any health conditions affecting the circulatory system such as arteries, veins, and the heart. Anyone can be affected by vascular disease, and certain risk factors like genetics, age, obesity, an inactive lifestyle, and smoking can further damage the circulatory system.
Examples of vascular disease include:
- Artery diseases like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Blood clots like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Vein diseases like chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ARTERIES & VEINS
What’s The Most Common Vascular Disease?
Peripheral artery disease is the most common form of vascular disease, affecting over 7 to 12 million Americans and over 200 million people worldwide. PAD mainly affects men over the age of 40, and it becomes more prevalent in men as they age.1
A Closer Look at PAD
PAD develops when excess fat and cholesterol form plaque in the artery walls. As the plaque continues to build-up, it starts restricting blood flow, resulting in poor circulation to the rest of the body. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain or cramping in the legs
- Fatigue or heaviness in the legs
- Difficulty walking
- Skin discoloration
- Non- or slow healing wounds
- Shiny skin or loss of hair in the legs
- Slowed toenail growth
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the legs
- Erectile dysfunction
Who’s At Risk For PAD?
There’s a variety of risk factors associated with peripheral artery disease. You may be at a greater risk of developing PAD if you:
- Are over the age of 50.
- Are male.
- Have a history of vascular disease.
- Smoke or used to smoke.
- Have diabetes.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Have high levels of cholesterol.
- Are African American
If you fall under one or more of these risk factors, see a vascular specialist to discuss ways you can prevent developing PAD. If you are also experiencing symptoms of PAD, a vascular specialist can assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to minimize the progression of the disease.
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Why Does This Matter?
This matters because almost half of people with PAD disease are asymptomatic, which can make it difficult to diagnose early on. An estimated 30 to 50% of PAD patients also deal with heart disease. Neglecting to get screened can set you on a path toward serious health consequences.
What Happens If PAD Is Left Untreated?
If PAD is left untreated, your arteries will continue to poorly circulate blood to the rest of your body. When there’s less blood flowing to the rest of your body, extremities like your legs, feet, and ankles can’t get enough oxygen-rich nutrients. This ultimately results in conditions like:
- Gangrene
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Amputation
If a PAD patient lets their condition progress to the point of needing an amputation, it can significantly reduce their life expectancy.
What USA Vascular Centers Does To Help
Vascular specialists at USA Vascular Centers understand the risks of leaving peripheral artery disease untreated. That’s why they stress the education of PAD and the minimally invasive treatment options available.
What Treatments Does USA Vascular Centers Offer?
USA Vascular Centers offers non-surgical treatments for PAD, also known as revascularization. They are outpatient procedures with a short recovery time and are safe and effective in reducing symptoms of PAD. These treatments are FDA-approved and include:
On top of revascularization, USA Vascular Centers also offer ongoing treatment for PAD. PAD can’t be cured, but studies show that taking medications to reduce cholesterol and prevent blood clots, as well as steering clear of smoking, can reduce your chances of amputation. You are also less likely to receive revascularization after a one-year follow-up.
“Dr. Duran is very professional, detailed, and experienced. She is the type of doctor that explains everything to you in an easy to understand way. The staff is very friendly, pleasant, and professional. It was my first time here and I like it a lot.” – Fransisco O.
So, What Can I Do During National Vascular Disease Awareness Month?
If you are at risk of developing PAD, get screened for it this month. A vascular specialist can assess your risk and provide accurate information on what you can do to avoid developing complications.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PAD, schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist to discuss treatment options that fit your personal needs. Early detection and treatment are key in reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.
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Sources
- Matthew A. Allison et al., “Health Disparities in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Scientific Statement From The American Heart Association,” American Heart Association, https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001153
