Deborah Heart and Lung Center announced it will hold its annual Peripheral Artery Disease screening event on Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The complimentary screening will take place by appointment only at the Deborah Specialty Physician’s office, located at 599 Route 37 West, Second Floor, Toms River.
PAD is a vascular disease affecting an estimated 18 million nationwide that occurs when arteries become clogged with fatty cholesterol deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs. The number of people affected by PAD continues to grow, driven in part by the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
Fortunately, PAD can be detected early and managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medication and non-surgical procedures.
In addition to the risk of amputation, individuals with PAD are at significantly higher risk for heart attack, stroke and death.
This test can help determine if you may have PAD. PAD screenings are by appointment only. To register or learn more, please call 609-496-5929.
Common symptoms include:
- Painful cramping in one or both hips, thighs or calf muscles after walking or climbing stairs (claudication)
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in a lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
- Sores on the toes, feet or legs that won’t heal
- A change in the color of legs
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on feet and legs
- Slower growth of toenails
- Shiny skin on legs
- No pulse or a weak pulse in legs or feet
You may be at risk for PAD if you have any of the following factors:
- Smoking (current or former)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- African American ethnicity
- History of heart disease, heart attack or stroke
- Family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke
- Obesity (BMI over 30)
- Age 50 or older
