Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2021
HEALTH TIP : Get a “ Leg Up ” on Vascular Health
It ’ s September , and it ’ s PAD Awareness Month !
PAD ( peripheral arterial disease ) affects approximately 17 million Americans . This common and potentially serious vascular disease occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty cholesterol deposits , reducing blood flow to the legs .
Many people with PAD have typical symptoms including leg muscle pain and cramping when walking . However , typical symptoms occur in only about one third of patients with PAD . One third will have atypical symptoms such as heaviness or easy fatigability . Finally , a third of patients -- particularly diabetics -- will have no symptoms at all . In addition to amputation , patients with PAD are also at much higher risk of heart attack , stroke , and death , as opposed to those without PAD .
The good news is that PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes , medication , and many types of non-surgical procedures . Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to living well with PAD .
Am I at Risk ?
Deborah Heart and Lung Center urges anyone who is at risk to call their physician for a check-up screening . Risks include :
· Smoking , both present and former smokers
· Diabetes
· High blood pressure
· Abnormal cholesterol levels
· African-American ethnicity
· Previous heart disease , heart attack , stroke or family history
What Does a Screening Involve ?
Screening for PAD includes a test called the ankle-brachial index , a painless , noninvasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankles with the blood pressure in the arms , and can indicate if you have PAD . If needed , additional noninvasive testing might be performed .
“ PAD is a devastating disease that is often undiagnosed ,” says Richard Kovach , MD , Director of Interventional Cardiology at Deborah Heart and Lung Center . “ It is vitally important for those at risk to get screened for PAD . Deborah is fully committed to increasing awareness of PAD and improving our community ’ s vascular health .”
“ Since September is PAD Awareness Month , this is a great time to make a screening appointment .”
For more information , visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
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