Peripheral Arterial Disease affects one in five older Americans. Of the more than 37 million Americans 65 and older, as many as one in five, should think twice before kicking up their heels in celebration.
"Approximately 10 million Americans have peripheral arterial diseases (PAD)" said Dr. Parakkat Krishnan, a board-certified surgeon who serves as the Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and, over time, hardens and narrows the flow of oxygen rich blood to the head, organs and most commonly the legs."
Less than half of those with PAD are aware of their diagnosis, yet those with the disease are four times more likely to experience a heart attack and two to three times more likely to experience a stroke than others," Krishnan explained.
Those living with diabetes are at greater risk for PAD and the American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics over the age of 50 have an ankle brachial index test for PAD. The non-invasive exam is performed by placing blood pressure cuffs on the patient's ankles and arms. PAD may be indicated if the ankle reading is significantly lower than the arm blood pressure measurement.
The local experts at The Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System, a National Healing Corporation Wound Healing Center, offer these tips on assessing risk and lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of PAD:
• PAD leg pain occurs in the muscles not the joints. Talk to your healthcare professional if you experience leg pain that doesn’t go away when exercising or if your legs hurt when walking or climbing stairs.
• PAD can hinder healing in foot and leg wounds and, in serious cases, result in tissue death necessitating amputation. Seek medical treatment if a leg or foot wound has not healed in 30 days or shows signs of infection.
• Risk factors include a family history of heart disease, heart attacks or strokes. In addition, men are slightly more at risk than women and African Americans have a higher risk factor.
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and obesity put you at greater risk for PAD. Work with health care professionals to develop a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Smokers may have four times the risk of PAD as nonsmokers since smoking causes additional narrowing of blood vessels, allowing PAD to progress faster.
• Treatment includes exercise to improve circulation, medication to reduce blood pressure or thin the blood, physical therapy, improved foot care and, in
extreme cases, surgery.
To arrange to be tested, or for information on PAD management, call The Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System, (843) 431-CARE.
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