Arterial Leg

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common circulation problem in which the blood vessels that provide blood flow to the legs (called arteries) become blocked or narrowed. This narrowed blood flow channel is caused usually by a gradual process, in which cholesterol, and other blood cell elements accumulate on the inner wall of the arteries and eventually scar tissue develops. This collection of blood elements that build-up on the inner artery wall is called plaque. As plaque progresses, the opening in the artery for blood flow to move freely and reach your organs and tissues decreases. Many people refer to PAD as "hardening of the arteries."
  
PAD affects between 8 and 12 million people in the USA. A lot of these people don't realize they have PAD. (The Vascular Disease Foundation). Many times the first sign of PAD is, while walking, you get a burning, aching or cramping pain in your legs that goes away when you stop to rest. Many people just think these signs are just a normal part of the aging process and don't seek medical help. Only a quarter of PAD sufferers are being treated (The Society of Interventional Radiology). People with severe or advanced PAD may have sores on their legs or feet that won't heal or burning and aching pain in their feet or toes when resting at night. These symptoms are common blockages to blood flow in your legs.

 Who is at risk for PAD?    

• People with a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, inactive lifestyle, high cholesterol,  being overweight, being over the age of 50 and heart disease.
• A family history of heart and vascular disease may also put you at increased risk for PAD.

"Your Health Matters" can screen you for PAD. If you have PAD, you are also at a higher risk for heart  disease and stroke. If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, please consider having a simple ultrasound test to screen for PAD. The test is easy, takes little time and is offered at a very reasonable cost.

Examination time: 10 to 15 minutes, Cost: $40.00