Don’t dismiss minor leg pain as a part of growing older. You might be among the approximately 10 million Americans living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD may lead to a non-healing wound, such as an arterial or venous ulcer, or even a diabetic foot ulcer.
We're raising awareness of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) throughout September and supporting the American Heart Association’s goal to reduce amputations by 20% by 2030 through increased PAD Awareness, diagnosis and treatment.
Your circulation system, also known as your cardiovascular system, is essential to wound healing because it is an important part of your body’s immune response. Your heart pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood away from the heart through your arteries. Your veins carry deoxygenated, nutrient-poor blood back to the heart. When you are injured, your blood carries extra nutrients and white blood cells to the injured tissue. If your circulation is limited, however, enough blood may not reach the wound which can delay healing. The longer a wound goes untreated, the greater the risk of infection, hospitalization and possibly amputation or loss of life.
Topics: Vascular Disease, Heart Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Year of Healing
Peripheral Artery Disease is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to our legs and arms. Most often, the arteries in the legs are affected. Nearly 8.5 million Americans are currently living with PAD and if left untreated, it can lead to avoidable amputations.
September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month. This cardiac condition is often overlooked and the minor-to-moderate leg pain it causes is dismissed as part of growing old. It is important to promote awareness of PAD to encourage screenings for adults over 60 as well as lifestyle changes to help prevent PAD.
Topics: Vascular Disease, Heart Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease
What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels in the legs. Blood flow to your feet and legs is decreased. This decreased blood flow affects the health of your skin on your feet and legs. It can also be the reason a foot ulcer does not heal. People with PAD have an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. An estimated 8 million people in the USA have PAD.
Topics: Vascular Disease, Types of Wounds, Wound Care, Peripheral Arterial Disease
