Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of arteries in various critical regions of the body. PAD affects more than 12 million people in the U.S. and 50% of these patients have unrecognized symptoms, which are often ignored or brushed off as signs of aging.
PAD occurs when blocked arteries outside the heart limit or stop blood flow to the legs. When blood cannot reach the legs and feet, it can cause pain while walking, and even lead to amputation. PAD also increases risk for a stroke or heart attack. PAD disproportionately affects minority communities with Black individuals having the second highest prevalence of PAD and nearly four times more likely to undergo amputation than other races.
Dr. John Laird, an interventional cardiologist and VP and CMO of Medtronic’s Peripheral Vascular Health operating unit, discusses the importance of assessing your PAD risk, since nearly 95% of people with PAD have at least one other chronic disease and smokers are at a four times greater risk of having this disease.
Dr. Laird will also share the critical signs and symptoms of PAD. Most people encounter discomfort or fatigue in the legs when walking which can impact daily activities. The most common symptoms include cramping or pain in the legs when active, numbness, tingly or burning in your legs and feet, or a cold foot that is pale or changes in color.
Lastly, Dr. Laird will highlight the treatment options available to patients based on severity of the artery blockage. .
Listen to Dr. Laird and Mark here:
