It’s Time to ‘Get a Pulse on PAD’ and Take Charge of Your Vascular Health

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a time to take action against a disease that affects millions of Americans but often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This is especially true for underrepresented communities, who bear the brunt of the disease.

If you haven’t heard of this disease, you’re not alone. PAD is a condition that causes reduced blood flow to the legs, leading to pain, wounds, and in severe cases, amputation. PAD is also a risk factor for stroke and death. Yet many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of PAD, or the importance of early diagnosis and treatment that is essential to preventing amputations.

Black people are twice as likely to have PAD and up to four times more likely to undergo an amputation than white people. Hispanics also face worse outcomes, including higher amputation rates. Yet among Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 80% report never having a doctor or healthcare provider discuss PAD with them. These disparities are unacceptable and must be addressed.

That's why we, the members of the PAD Pulse Alliance, are calling on everyone to Get a Pulse on PAD and start the conversation with their doctor. Developed by experts, PADPulse.org is an online resource offering a wealth of information and tools for patients and their caregivers. We want to raise awareness about the risk factors and potential symptoms of PAD and empower patients to advocate for their health by talking to their doctor and catching this disease early.

What is PAD, and why should you care?

PAD affects more than 10 million Americans and is a factor in 400 amputations each day, making it the largest cause of nontraumatic amputations in the United States. Other risks include stroke and death if left untreated.

PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the legs, causing reduced blood flow and oxygen to the muscles. This can result in leg pain, cramping, or fatigue while walking or climbing stairs, which often goes away after rest. Many people dismiss these symptoms as normal aging, but they could be signs of a serious underlying problem. PAD can also cause wounds or ulcers on the legs or feet that do not heal or changes in skin color, temperature, or sensation. If left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene, amputation, or death.

The good news is that PAD can also be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures that can restore blood flow and prevent complications. The sooner you get diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of avoiding amputation and improving your health.

Who is at risk of PAD, and what can you do?

Anyone can develop PAD, but some factors increase your risk. These include:

PAD is more common in people over 50.
Smoking is the most important risk factor for PAD. It can damage your blood vessels and reduce blood flow.
Diabetes can affect blood sugar levels and damage nerves and blood vessels.
High blood pressure can strain your arteries and cause them to narrow.
High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and reduce blood flow.
If you have a close relative who has had PAD, you may be more likely to develop it.
Black and Hispanic people are more likely to develop PAD and have worse outcomes than white people.

If you have any of these risk factors, you should talk to your doctor about PAD and get screened. You should also pay attention to symptoms like leg pain, numbness, or skin changes. You can also take steps to prevent or manage PAD by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, more exercise, eating a balanced diet, and following any treatment plans for PAD or other medical conditions recommended by your doctor.

How can you get involved in PAD Awareness Month?

PAD Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to learn more about PAD and share this information with your friends, family, and community. You can visit www.PADPulse.org to access our interactive patient toolkit, which provides helpful tips and resources for every stage of your PAD journey, from screening to diagnosis and treatment. You can also watch our animated videos explaining PAD and share them with those who are at risk. You can also find a physician near you who specializes in treating PAD by using our physician finder tool.

You can also join the conversation on social media by following the hashtag #PulseonPAD, to increase visibility about your own experiences. Finally, you can support policies that improve access and quality of care for PAD patients.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans who are living with or at risk of PAD. We can help them avoid the devastating consequences of this disease and improve their health and well-being. We can also reduce the health disparities and inequities affecting underrepresented communities and ensure everyone can receive the best care possible. We can get a pulse on PAD and save lives, limbs, and livelihoods.

The PAD Pulse Alliance is a coalition of four leading medical societies dedicated to improving vascular health: the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). Together, we represent over 20,000 physicians and health professionals with the expertise and experience to treat PAD.

About ABC

Founded in 1974, ABC is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of over 2,000 health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate members, and institutional members. The ABC is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color.

About SCAI

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions is a professional organization representing more than 4,000 invasive and interventional cardiology professionals in approximately 75 nations. SCAI's mission is to promote excellence in invasive/interventional cardiovascular medicine through physician education and representation, and advancement of quality standards to enhance patient care.

About SIR

The Society of Interventional Radiology is a nonprofit, professional medical society representing more than 8,000 practicing interventional radiology physicians, trainees, students, scientists and clinical associates, dedicated to improving patient care through the limitless potential of image-guided therapies. SIR’s members work in a variety of settings and at different professional levels—from medical students and residents to university faculty and private practice physicians.

About SVS

The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness. The organization was founded in 1946 and currently has a membership of more than 6,300. SVS membership is recognized in the vascular community as a mark of professional achievement. 