Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition in which blood flow to the limbs is reduced as a result of narrowed arteries. Roughly 25% of males over the age of 80 have PAD. It is often caused by atherosclerosis (fatty buildup in the arteries). This animation from the American Heart Disease explains the condition in an easy-to-understand format.
Talk to Your Doctor About Screening
Regardless of whether you have symptoms, most physicians recommend screening if:
- You’re over age 65
- You’re over age 50 and have a history of diabetes or smoking
- You’re under age 50 and have diabetes and other peripheral artery disease risk factors, such as obesity or high blood pressure
Healthy Lifestyle Choices Are Effective Treatment
In some cases, this disease is successfully treated with lifestyle changes such as diet modification, adoption of an exercise regimen, and tobacco cessation.
Get Your Free Multi-Page Handout Here
This month’s free health handout explains the risks, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of Peripheral Artery Disease in honor of American Heart Month.
Determine Your Risk
Penn Medicine has created a great online quiz to determine what your risk of developing the disease is – take your results to your next doctor’s appointment.