September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month

September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month, a perfect time to learn more about lower extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and most importantly, how to prevent it.

Statistics show that PAD affects more than 8 million Americans.  62% of people with the disease have symptoms, and out of these, 2.5 million go undiagnosed.

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease is also known as atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, or poor circulation of the legs.  The poor circulation is a result of plaque formation and buildup inside of the arteries, which cause narrowing or blockages to blood flow.  When the blood containing oxygen and nutrients cannot be delivered properly, tissue injury or death can occur to the muscles or organs, causing strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease.

The progression of the disease varies from person to person based on individual risk factors.  Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high LDL “bad” cholesterol and low HDL “good” cholesterol.   PAD is common in people over age 50.

According to Ann Small, R.N., BSN, of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Hanover Hospital, treatment and prevention of this debilitating disease includes making lifestyle changes to decrease known risk factors and “getting those legs moving.”  Recent studies show that exercise such as walking, is beneficial in primary prevention for cardiovascular disease including PAD, and a structured walking program is one of the best treatments to stimulate formation and growth of new blood vessels.  Incorporating a healthy diet, and receiving routine checkups and screenings by a healthcare provider can also be beneficial in preventing the onset of PAD.

For more information about vascular disease, please contact Ann Small, at (717) 633-8856.