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Peripheral Arterial Disease can cause Leg Pain

ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September marks peripheral arterial disease (PAD) awareness month. A staggering 18 million Americans1 suffer from this potentially life threatening disease which is greater than the number of Americans suffering from stroke (6.8 million)2, cancer (13 million)3, and coronary artery disease (16.3 million)4. If untreated, those who suffer from PAD are at risk of very serious consequences. The five-year mortality rate is 30 percent5, which is greater than the rates for prostate cancer (less than 1 percent)6 and breast cancer (11 percent)7. For the nearly 3.5 million people who suffer from the worst form of PAD, called critical limb ischemia (CLI)8, the five-year mortality rate shoots up to 67 percent5 which is greater than that for colorectal cancer (36 percent)9 and stroke (41 percent)10. Despite the severity of PAD, only 26 percent of Americans are familiar with it, making it the most serious disease most people have never heard of.

 

peripheral arterial disease

“Considering the high number

of people who suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease and

the seriousness of its effects,

this disease is disturbingly

overlooked”

 

 

 

PAD develops when plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. If PAD progresses to CLI, the most severe and potentially deadly form of PAD, the blood vessels become dangerously narrow and can result in extreme pain, loss of a pulse in feet or legs and wounds that will not heal. In 25 percent of these cases, amputation of toes, the foot or leg is necessary11.

“Considering the high number of people who suffer from PAD and the seriousness of its effects, this disease is disturbingly overlooked,” said Mary L. Yost; President/Co-Founder of THE SAGE GROUP, a leading PAD research consulting firm. “People should be aware of the risks, and talk to a physician if they think they may have PAD.”

The risk for developing PAD rises with age and is highest for those over 50 years old. Smoking, the single greatest risk factor, increases the chance of developing PAD three to five times. But other common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and heart disease12.

By Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.

08/31/2015

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