Peripheral Arterial Disease: It’s more common than you think

The vascular system is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body—providing oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. Healthy blood circulation can be affected in many ways, one of which is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)—a serious yet often under-recognized condition that, if left untreated, can have life-threatening consequences.

Bayhealth Heart & Vascular Institute Vascular Surgeon, Luiz Araujo, MD, shares key information about how to recognize PAD and improve your overall vascular wellness.

What is PAD?

PAD occurs when plaque (atherosclerosis) builds up in the arteries of the legs or arms, reducing blood flow by narrowing or completely blocking the vessels. Nearly 70% of Americans are unaware they have it, attributing the often-mild symptoms to aging or other conditions. According to the Society of Vascular Surgery, an estimated eight million people in the U.S. are affected by PAD, which means they are at a higher risk for complications like un-healing wounds, stroke, heart attack and more.

PAD and PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease) are terms often used interchangeably. While both relate to the vascular system, they differ in scope. PAD specifically affects the arteries, whereas PVD refers to a broader category of conditions that impact the veins, blood vessels and lymphatic system. Consulting a vascular specialist experienced in diagnosing and managing the full range of vascular diseases is essential.

What are the symptoms of PAD?

The symptoms of PAD include:

• Pain or cramping in the legs that interferes with walking
• Leg ulcers that are slow to heal or do not heal at all
• Numbness or pain in the legs, often worsening at night

What are the risk factors of PAD?

Recognizing risk factors is the first step in the early detection and prevention of PAD. PAD is linked to both coronary artery disease (heart disease) and cerebrovascular disease (strokes), emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive care.

Risk factors fall into two categories: modifiable (changeable) and non-modifiable (unchangeable). Having one or more of these risk factors increases your likelihood of developing PAD.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Age (over 65)
• Gender (male)
• Family history of heart disease, stroke or PAD
• Race/ethnicity (African American, Hispanic)
• Genetics

Is PAD preventable?

Similar to many other diseases involving the heart and vascular system, your risk of PAD can be significantly reduced by living a healthy lifestyle. Don’t wait for symptoms to begin before:

• Adopting a healthier diet with more fruits, vegetables, lean meats and high-quality dairy; while reducing intake of sweets, processed foods and unhealthy fats
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Exercising at least 30 minutes per day
• Taking prescription medication to lower blood clot risks (as prescribed by your primary care provider)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Partnering with your primary care physician is the best place to start when it comes to understanding and preventing PAD or PVD. If you’re already experiencing symptoms, it's crucial to be evaluated by a vascular specialist as early as possible, before the condition progresses.

Visit Bayhealth.org/HVI to learn about the Bayhealth Heart & Vascular Institute's comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases like PAD.