One in 20 Americans over age 50 has Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that robs them of their independence and mobility by increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation and death. The Society for Vascular Medicine (SVM) is working to increase awareness of PAD, its diagnosis and treatment.

PAD is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the legs and is a strong indication of similar hardening of the arteries near the heart and brain; individuals with PAD have a five times greater risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or death within five years.

PAD is not merely a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is cardiovascular disease.

In recognition of PAD Awareness Month, SVM has developed easy-to-understand information explaining PAD, how it's diagnosed and treated, and where patients and physicians can find resources and additional information.

Additionally, the SVM Interactive Case Study of the Month for September focuses on PAD. In the case, a 51-year-old man with vascular risk factors including current smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and a family history of premature coronary artery disease complains of progressive bilateral leg pain. Match wits with the physicians who treated him here. See why the SVM Case Study of the Month is the most popular feature of the SVM Web site.

PAD is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the legs and is a strong indication of similar hardening of the arteries near the heart and brain; individuals with PAD have a five times increased risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or death within five years.

PAD is not merely a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is cardiovascular disease.

Source:
Society for Vascular Medicine