Deborah Heart and Lung Center is offering free preventive health screenings to the community, announcing its upcoming annual Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening event.
The complimentary event will take place on Sept. 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Deborah Specialty Physicians office, located at 599 Route 37 West, Second Floor, in Toms River. Appointments are required in advance.
PAD is a serious vascular disease characterized by arteries becoming clogged with fatty cholesterol deposits, which restricts blood flow to the limbs. Driven heavily by rising rates of diabetes and obesity, PAD currently impacts more than 18 million Americans nationwide.
Left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications, including non-healing wounds, amputation, and a drastically increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death. However, early detection makes the disease highly manageable through lifestyle adjustments, medications, and non-surgical treatments.
Common warning signs of PAD include:
- Painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves after walking or climbing stairs (claudication)
- Leg numbness, weakness, or coldness in a lower leg or foot
- Sores on the toes, feet, or legs that fail to heal
- Discoloration, shiny skin, or slowed hair and toenail growth on the legs
- Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet
Health care providers note that individuals may be at elevated risk if they are 50 or older, smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity (BMI over 30), or a personal or family history of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
During the event, medical professionals will perform an ankle-brachial index test—a quick, painless, and noninvasive procedure that compares blood pressure measurements in the ankles against those in the arms to spot potential arterial blockages. Additional noninvasive diagnostic testing may be recommended if necessary.
In addition to vascular checks, participants can opt for a complimentary blood sugar screening. For the most accurate preliminary results, organizers recommend fasting for four hours prior to the screening.
Because space is limited and screenings are conducted strictly by appointment only, individuals who wish to participate or learn more should call 609-496-5929 to reserve their time slot.
