KnowTheSignsOf Peripheral Artery Disease (NAPSA)—Many people dismiss leg pain as a normal sign of aging. But for 8.5 million Americans, the cause of their pain can be life- or limb-threatening condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Everyone, especially those at highest risk, should know the signs of PAD and know howto prevent andtreat it. With new drugson the hori- zon, health plan coverage for exercise therapy, improvements in procedures to treat advanced disease, and new treat- ment guidelines for health care provid- ers, there are now more tools than ever to combat this disease. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undetected and untreated although its more common than atrialfibrillation and heartfailure. Whatis PAD? PAD happens when fatty deposits build up in arteries in the legs andfeet. The condition is often undiagnosed, yet ignoring the signs of PAD is dangerous. Not only does it increase your risk for heart attack and stroke, these blockages can restrict circulation to the legs and feet. Left untreated, PAD can end in amputation. Cigarette smokers have the highest risk—sohigh,in fact, that PAD screening should be routine in smokers. People with diabetes and those with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity or physical inactivity are also at risk. Whatcan I do aboutit? Simple measures can catch PAD before it’s too late. You can manageor reverse it with propercare. If you haverisk factors, take your socksoff at the doctor’s office. Your socks and shoes cover up many of the signs of this crippling disease: e Leg pain: The most common symptom of peripheral artery disease in the legs is painful muscle cramping in the hips, thighs or calves when walking, climbing stairs or exercising. The pain often goes awayafter a few minutesofresting. This type of pain is called intermittent claudication. Thanks to a recent ruling, it’s easier for people to keep PAD from Pain in your legs and feet could be a sign of a serious condition. Talk to your doctor about peripheral artery disease (PAD). getting worse. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services now covers supervised exercise therapy for people with intermittent claudication. You may be eligible for up to 36 sessions during a 12-weekperiod with an optional second round of treatment. Ask your doctorif this therapyis available to you. Skin problems or discoloration on your legs and feet: Be aware of red- ness or other color changes in the skin on your legs and feet. Temperature changes mayalso be noticeable—your feet will feel cooler than other parts of yourleg. Leg or foot woundsthat are slow to heal: If cuts or other wounds on your feet or toes aren't improving after a couple of weeks, you should ask about PAD. * Poor nail growth: Slow-growing or thickened toenails can bea sign of reduced blood flow to the legs andfeet. Even if you aren't having symptoms, if you have risk factors, you should be screened regularly. Early detection and treatmentare key. Speak to your doctor about any problems youre having with your legs andfeet. Learn More For more information about PAD management, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/PAD.
