Vascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet is generally asymptomatic until a catastrophic event occurs, such as a stroke or aneurysm rupture1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a vascular condition of the extremities that affects 12 million people2. It is a progressive disease that could lead to serious cardiovascular events, Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) or death.

Many individuals with PAD, about 20%-50%, will exhibit no symptoms. A classic symptom of PAD, claudication, is seen in about 10%-35% of patients. Others may have atypical or unusual symptoms3,4.

There are treatment options available for Peripheral Artery Disease. It is important to identify patients at-risk for PAD who should be screened, as early identification and treatment are essential to the effective management of PAD.

 

References

1. http://www.vascularweb.org/about/positionstatements/Pages/svs-position-statement-on-vascular-screening.aspx. Retrieved 11/28/11

2. Wound Healing Perspectives, Volume 6 No. 2. 2009

3. American Heart Association. (2008). Statistical fact sheet-miscellaneous 2008 update. Peripheral update statistics. Retrieved January 26, 2010 from http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1198011637413FS26PAD08.REVdoc.pdf.

4. Norgren, L., Hiatt, W.R., Dormandy, J.A., Nehler, M.R., Harris, K.A., Fowkes, F.G., et al. (2007). Inter-society consensus for the management of peripheral arterial disease (TASC II). Journal of Vascular Surgery, 45, (Suppl S): S5-67.