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Is My Leg Pain PAD?
Did You Know... Many people mistake the pain of PAD for normal signs of aging1
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Managing PAD
Did You Know.... Untreated PAD can lead to many painful symptoms and amputation.1
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Avoiding Amputation
Did You Know... CLI patients are associated with a 1-year mortality rate of 20%.
- For Healthcare Professionals
It’s important to understand the aspects of your lifestyle and genetic background that can put you at risk for PAD. Recognizing the risk factors for PAD is the first step towards getting diagnosed and treated. This is important, as untreated PAD can lead to serious complications, including amputation.
Common PAD Risk Factors
Many are at risk for PAD without realizing it. If you or a loved one has any risk factors for PAD, start the conversation by talking to a healthcare professional.4
Most people in the United States who have PAD are 65 and older.4
Age
PAD risk increases with unhealthy blood cholesterol levels or high blood triglycerides.4
High cholesterol
High blood pressure can increase your risk for PAD.4
High blood pressure
Diabetes is known to increase risk of PAD and other cardiovascular diseases.8
Diabetes
Smokers have almost three times the risk of PAD vs non-smokers.8
Tobacco use
The risk of PAD is higher in those with kidney disease.9
Kidney disease
Having family members with PAD can increase your risk.4
Family history
African Americans and Hispanics are at the highest risk for PAD.4
Ethnicity
Some risk factors for PAD are uncontrollable, such as age, race, and family history. Other risk factors are the result of lifestyle choices, such as tobacco use. Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, is the number one risk factor for PAD. If you use tobacco, you should quit immediately, as it greatly raises your risk for cardiovascular disease and plaque buildup in your arteries.
Several other risk factors for PAD, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices. For example, following a healthy diet and reducing the amount of fried, processed, and sugary foods you eat can help lower your blood pressure. For diabetics, managing your diabetes diligently and monitoring your blood sugar levels can reduce your risk of PAD. Work with your physician to address your individual risk factors and develop a plan to reduce any risks.
