The sooner you know if you have Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), the sooner you can start treatment for symptoms and the associated risks of heart attack or stroke. That's why medical guidelines recommend early detection for those with risk factors for P.A.D. Getting tested now may help you in the future.

Not many people are aware of just how dangerous leg circulation problems can become if left undiagnosed and untreated. A 2007 survey of adults at least 50 years old, conducted by the P.A.D. Coalition, found that, out of those familiar with P.A.D., only 25% associated P.A.D. with risk of heart attack and 28% associated P.A.D. with risk of stroke.

If you know the risks, you know what your next steps should be. If you're over 50 with risks for heart disease—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking—make an appointment as soon as possible to talk to your doctor about P.A.D.

Be sure to review the Risk Assessor and 7-point checklist to see if you have risk factors for P.A.D. Then bring the Doctor Discussion Guide with you when you see your doctor about P.A.D. All these tools are designed to help you talk to your doctor about P.A.D. and make your doctor appointment more productive and informative.

Find out about the medications for P.A.D.

Diagnosis is the Key to Moving Forward The earlier you're diagnosed, the earlier you can talk to your doctor about treatment options—and help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke associated with P.A.D. Click here to find a screening site near you.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational
purposes only. Your health-care professional is the single best source of
information regarding your health. Please consult your health-care professional if
you have any questions about your health or treatment.