Older Americans Most at Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease, But Least Aware
American Heart Association offers advice for seniors on avoiding risks, but some, like aging, cannot be fixed - PAD
Awareness Month
Sept. 17, 2011 - Awareness of peripheral artery disease is low among those at greatest risk for developing the condition,
according to the American Heart Association. Only 26 percent of older adults, - age 50 and older - are familiar with PAD, or know that becomes
more common with age.
PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most common in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. It happens when fatty
deposits build up in arteries outside the heart, usually those supplying fresh oxygen and blood to the arms, legs and feet.
The most common symptoms of PAD are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing
stairs. Typically, the pain goes away with rest and returns when you walk again.
Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else. It often goes undiagnosed by healthcare professionals,
although, it affects about 8 million people.
People with PAD have an increased risk for heart attack and stroke, said Tracy Stevens, M.D. American Heart
Association spokesperson and professor of medicine cardiologist with Saint Lukes Cardiovascular Consultants in Kansas City, Missouri.
The American Heart Association encourages people at risk to discuss PAD with their healthcare provider to ensure early
diagnosis and treatment.
Certain risk factors for PAD cant be controlled, including aging, personal or family history of PAD, cardiovascular
disease or stroke. However, you can control the following risk factors:
September is PAD Awareness Month; promoting screenings for peripheral arterial disease is more common with aging - some
free
Sept.
7, 2011 - Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a common condition affecting 12-20 percent of Americas senior citizens people age 65 and
older - that may not know it can be a signal of future heart attack and stroke. And, many with the disease may be unaware they have it,
according to the Society of Interventional Radiology. Read more...
Cigarette smoking. Smokers may have four times the risk of PAD than nonsmokers.
Obesity. People with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke
even if they have no other risk factors.
Diabetes mellitus. Having diabetes puts you at greater risk of developing PAD as well as other cardiovascular
diseases.
Physical inactivity. Physical activity increases the distance that people with PAD can walk without pain and also
helps decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.
High blood cholesterol. High cholesterol contributes to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can
significantly reduce the bloods flow. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.
High blood pressure. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms. Work with your
healthcare professionals to monitor and control your blood pressure.
For information and tools about peripheral artery disease and how to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, go to
www.heart.org/pad .
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association says it is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke Americas No. 1 and
No. 3 killers. The Dallas-based association is the nations oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and
stroke. To learn more call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit
heart.org
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