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. Yet among Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 80% report never having a doctor or healthcare provider discuss PAD with them. PAD Awareness Month is the time to ‘kick off the conversation’ and change that.

That’s why the PAD Pulse Alliance, a coalition of four leading medical societies dedicated to improving vascular health, developed PADPulse.org, an online portal that offers a wealth of resources for patients and caregivers. These include an interactive patient toolkit, links to find a physician, and animated videos that help explain PAD.

"PAD silently amputates, affecting millions of Americans, many in underrepresented communities, who unfortunately are often unaware of the risks, symptoms, or consequences of this disease until it’s too late," said Dr. James B. Hermiller, MD, MSCAI, president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), a founding member of the PAD Pulse Alliance. "Now is the time to make a difference. We hope getting a ‘pulse on PAD’ can save lives, limbs, and livelihoods. We encourage you to share the Patient Toolkit with your friends and family who are at risk of PAD." 

The PAD Pulse Alliance includes 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, they represent over 20,000 physicians and health professionals and a wealth of expertise in treating PAD. Launched earlier this year, the Get a Pulse on PAD campaign has reached millions through social media, digital influencers, and media outreach to spread the word and engage with the public. 

“PAD is not merely a cardiovascular issue; it is a public health crisis that quietly drives unnecessary amputations, causes disabling generational impairment, and claims lives—especially among Black and Hispanic populations. We are dedicated to closing the gaps in awareness and care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or background, is equipped with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their health. This month, and every month, we must elevate the dialogue about PAD, empower our communities with essential information, and advocate for equitable access to life-saving care,” said Dr. Foluso Fakorede, MD, CEO of Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi and co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists PAD Initiative. 

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. 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, stroke or death. 

"Patients often dismiss common signs of PAD as part of normal aging because they are not aware it could signal a serious health problem,” said Dr. Robert J. Lewandowski, MD, FSIR, president of SIR. "This is why the PAD Pulse Alliance urges patients to talk to their doctors about persistent symptoms that disrupt their lives so they can be screened for PAD early. This is especially true for patients who have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or tobacco use.” 

The PAD Pulse Alliance urges everyone to know the three steps to get a pulse on PAD: 

1. Know your risk factors 
2. Don't ignore symptoms 
3. Kick off the conversation with your doctor. 

“Delayed or denied care is a critical driver for higher rates of amputation in minority communities,” said Dr. Matthew Eagleton, MD, president of the Society for Vascular Surgery. “Statistics show that Black people are twice as likely to suffer from PAD and up to four times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to white people, and Hispanics also experience worse outcomes, including greater amputation risk. Our goal in establishing the PAD Pulse Alliance is to make sure patients have easy access to limb-saving information.” 

The PAD Pulse Alliance invites everyone to join the campaign and help spread the word about PAD, especially during PAD Awareness Month.

For more information, visit www.PADPulse.org or follow the campaign on social media using #PulseonPAD. 

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. 

Press Contact: 

Gavin Stern 

[email protected], 202-644-8561