Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month Promotes Screening and Advocacy to Prevent Amputations

September marks Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, an important initiative aimed at addressing a serious cardiovascular condition that affects over 10 million Americans. PAD is the leading cause of nontraumatic amputations in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, early detection, and effective treatment.

The PAD Pulse Alliance, a coalition comprising leading medical societies dedicated to vascular health, is spearheading the 'Get a Pulse on PAD' campaign. This initiative encourages patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together in combating this often underdiagnosed disease. PAD results from blockages in the arteries of the legs, which restrict blood flow and can cause symptoms such as leg cramping, pain during walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, limb loss.

Despite its severity, PAD frequently remains unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. It’s also a warning sign for increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. Srihari S. Naidu, President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, emphasized that early intervention focusing on prevention and compassion could transform patient outcomes. He advocates for raising awareness, educating the public, equipping clinicians with proper tools, and supporting legislative measures to facilitate early diagnosis.

A significant concern is that nearly 70% of individuals living with PAD are unaware they have the condition. Disproportionately affected communities, including Black and Hispanic populations, report minimal prior discussions with healthcare providers about PAD, despite facing higher risks. Experts like Dr. Foluso Fakorede stress the importance of screening and equitable care to prevent devastating consequences like amputations.

To support early detection and management, the campaign offers a comprehensive PAD patient toolkit, including information on risk factors, warning signs, questions to ask healthcare providers, and lifestyle modifications that promote vascular health. The simple, painless ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a key diagnostic tool that compares blood pressure in the arms and ankles to identify PAD early.

Healthcare professionals from various organizations underscore that PAD is highly treatable when caught early through lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures. The Society for Vascular Surgery highlights that early diagnosis can prevent serious outcomes such as limb loss, heart attacks, and strokes.

Key facts to remember include: PAD affects over 10 million Americans, is often underdiagnosed, and presents symptoms that can be mistaken for aging. Early detection involves a quick ABI test, and appropriate treatment can significantly improve quality of life.

Ultimately, the goal of PAD Awareness Month is to save limbs and lives through increased vigilance, education, and equitable healthcare access, especially in underserved communities.