Peripheral Arterial Disease

The disease is characterized by blockage of the arteries in the legs and sometimes the arms due to plaque formation. The most common symptom is unrelenting leg pain during moderate exercise, including muscle cramping, tightness, and/or fatigue, that may go away after resting. However, more than half had no symptoms prior to diagnosis, according to Dr. Robert Rosenson, director of the Preventive Cardiology Center at Northwestern University's Medical School.

Many at Risk Not Getting Screened

July 9, 2001 -- Today, the National Council on the Aging released the results of a survey that reveals the majority of older Americans know little about a serious and prevalent disease called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

The survey findings show that two-thirds of Americans over age 50 are unaware of the disease. In addition, more than half of the respondents who have symptoms commonly associated with PAD are not being screened for the disease by health care professionals.

"This is disturbing news, considering the possible consequences for seniors and their families," says NCOA President and CEO Dr. James Firman. "It's clear that we need to increase consumer and physician awareness so that seniors can get testing, timely treatment and the advice they need about this potentially critical disease."

In the United States, more than 10 million people are currently living with PAD according to data on the disease from the American Heart Association. In addition, a recent study published in the journal "Circulation" shows that people who smoke and people who have diabetes aged 50 to 69 and people over age 70 have a one in three chance of having PAD. However, the NCOA survey shows that only 34 percent of respondents are very or somewhat concerned about developing the condition.

According to Dr. Robert Rosenson, director of the Preventive Cardiology Center at Northwestern University's Medical School, the disease is characterized by blockage of the arteries in the legs and sometimes the arms due to plaque formation. The most common symptom is unrelenting leg pain during moderate exercise, including muscle cramping, tightness, and/or fatigue, that may go away after resting. However, more than half had no symptoms prior to diagnosis.

PAD is identified by a simple test comparing blood pressure readings from a patient's arm and ankle. "Without treatment, those with PAD are at a significantly increased risk to experience a stroke or heart attack, but the good news is that PAD is easily diagnosed and is treatable," says Dr. Rosenson. "We can reduce the risk through lifestyle modifications and medical management. Simply put, early detection can save your life."

As part of planned follow up activities, NCOA will advise its members to communicate to their clients the importance of screening for this disease. More information on the survey is available at the Web site of the National Council on the Aging at http://www.ncoa.org. More information on PAD is available at the Web site of the Vascular Disease Foundation at http://www.vdf.org.