Peripheral artery disease, known as PAD, is a major vascular disease that affects 202 million adults worldwide, a higher prevalence than ischemic heart disease and heart failure.
Here are 7 quick facts about Peripheral Artery Disease:
Despite these staggering statistics, PAD is often under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated. Lack of awareness even exists among physicians, with only 49% of primary physicians treating patients with a prior diagnosis of PAD actually aware of it, despite documentation in medical records.
PAD is a common circulatory problem in which plaque builds up inside the arteries and restricts blood to the lower limbs and feet. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, painful cramping in the hip, thigh or calf muscles after walking or at rest, leg numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, or sores on the toes, feet, or legs that will not heal. Severe forms of the disease can lead to gangrene, limb loss, or even death.
Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made in technologies and revascularization techniques to improve outcomes for patients with PAD. It is now possible to treat the majority of sufferers with a minimally invasive revascularization, avoiding limb amputation, and potentially saving these patients’ lives.
Unfortunately, PAD is still under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated and not enough of these patients make it to a physician that can alleviate their symptoms or allow them to avoid an amputation.
Helpful resources:
References:
Yost. M. NCVH Annual Conference 2019
International Diabetes Federation. 2005
Wukich. Foot Ankle Int. 2015
Armstrong, et al. Int Wound J. 2007
Criqui, et al. Circ Res. 2015
Becker J Vasc Inter. Radiol. 2002
PML0682-A