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What is PAD?
What is PAD?Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, means you have blockages in the arteries of your neck, legs, or arms. Theyare called peripheral arteries because they are outside the heart.Even if you don’t feel any pain or symptoms, when you have PAD, your risk for heart attack and stroke nearlydoubles. It is time to take PAD seriously.Your peripheral arteries circulate oxygen rich blood throughout your body. Blood flows easily through a healthyperipheral artery.But, over time, cholesterol and other fatty deposits called plaque can build-up on the artery wall.This narrowing of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.The artery can become partially blocked reducing blood flow to parts of your body.Because it is more common to have blockages in your legs, if you have PAD you may notice: leg pain, called‘claudication’; fatigue; cramping; dry, scaly skin; poor hair growth; and slow healing wounds on your lower legsand feet.If left untreated, the blockage can continue to build. Your peripheral arteries may narrow even further. A pieceof plaque can break off of the blockage, travel down a vessel and get lodged in place, completely blocking theartery.When oxygen rich blood cannot get to a part of the body, damage occurs. This damage can cause seriouscomplications like amputation and can even lead to heart attack and stroke.“I've been fighting heart disease for approximately 15 years. I mean, I've been through a lot. And it-you know, it hasn't been easy for me and my family. It's been a lot of stress on all of us.”.You are more at risk for developing PAD if you: are over 50; use tobacco, smoke, or used to smoke; havediabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol; have a family history of heart attack or stroke; areoverweight; or are African American.PAD is serious. If you have PAD or are at risk for PAD, meet with your healthcare provider to develop atreatment plan.Following a treatment plan is the best way to prevent many of the long-term complications of PAD, includingloss of limb, heart attack and stroke.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10191B EN WhatIsPAD.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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