ASK THE SOCIAL WORKER: PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE
Q: My
father just found out he has Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). What is
PAD? He worries that I might also have it because I was a smoker and I
am fifty-two years old. Should I be worried that I might have PAD?
A: Answer: I am sorry to hear your father has Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). It is fortunate that his condition has been diagnosed, so he can seek treatment and manage his condition. Today, many Americans are discovering they have PAD, thanks to a national PAD awareness campaign. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a sponsor of the campaign, points out that PAD awareness is very important because one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD.
PAD develops when plaque (extra cholesterol and other fats) builds up in the walls of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs, arms, head, kidneys and stomach. Just like narrowed arteries in the heart, narrowed arteries in the legs increase a person’s risk for having a heart attack or stroke. PAD may also limit a person’s mobility and in some cases lead to amputation.
Most people with PAD do not experience symptoms, but those who do report some of the following signs:- Pain, fatigue, heaviness, tiredness or cramping in the legs that occurs during activity
- Pain in the legs and/or feet that disturbs sleep
- A lower temperature in one leg
- Sores or wounds on toes, feet or legs that heal slowly, poorly or not at all
- Paleness or blueness in the color of feet
- Poor nail and hair growth
Your father is wise to be concerned about your risk for PAD. You may have two of the following risk factors associated with PAD:- 50 years of age or older
- Smoker or former smoker
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- History of vascular disease, heart attack or stroke
- African American
I suggest you see your doctor and discuss your risks for developing PAD. Be sure to let the doctor know of your father’s recent diagnosis. Also, learn more about PAD by visiting www.aboutpad.org or www.PADCoalition.org.
Sources: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Diseases and
Conditions Index: Peripheral Disease; www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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