Leg pain/cramps while walking Leg/foot neuropathySkin discolorationSlow or no leg hair growthCold foot or feetRest pain that wakes you upNon-healing foot/toe ulcer Peripheral Artery DiseaseP.A.D.P.A.D. is a circulation issue. It affects mainly the leg arteries, which carry oxygenand nutrient-rich blood flow to the feet. P.A.D. sometimes impacts the arms, neck,and head, but that is rare. P.A.D. occurs when arteries are narrowed or blocked by plaque, restricting bloodflow to the feet. Plaque may consist of blood clots, fats, cholesterol, and/orcalcium.P.A.D. symptoms include: I have to rest on way to kitchen I have to rest on way to mailbox I have to rest after 1 city block My pain is tolerable for a 30 min walk
Ask your doctor to perform advanced bloodwork and other testing to helppinpoint what's damaging your arteries and causing blockages. Why I Have P.A.DKnowing what's lighting your arteries on fire can help you and your doctor takesteps to slow or even stall progression of P.A.D. This is the most importantdiscussion you will have with your doctor. Additional Bloodwork & TestingDiabetes (Type I or II)Genetics (Clotting & MTHFR)NicotineDietHigh Blood PressureHigh CholesterolSedentary LifestyleStress/AnxietyGut Issues/BacteriaExcess WeightAutoimmune ConditionCOVIDOther________________Atrial Fibrilation (AFib)Heart Valve Issue
Understanding Your Results:Left Right My Areas of Narrowing/BlockagesP.A.D. TestsAnkle-Brachial Index (ABI)A technician places blood pressure cuffs on your legsand arms during the ABI test. They're comparing bloodpressure between your upper and lower limbs to detectreduced blood flow. An ABI test can result in a falsenegative if you have hardened, calcified,incompressible arteries. Arterial Duplex UltrasoundAn arterial duplex ultrasound uses sound waves tocreate a color map of the arteries to identify areas ofnarrowing and/or blockages. The technician places agel on your skin and runs a probe over it.CT AngiogramThis test combines a CT scan with an injection of aspecial dye through an IV to provide a clearerimage of narrowed or blocked areas of yourarteries. RightLeft> 1.4> 1.0 - 1.4.9 - 1.0.8 - .9.5 -.8< .5Severe calcium build-up likelyNormal. No P.A.D.Possible P.A.D. starting.Slight P.A.D.Moderate P.A.D.Severe P.A.D.
AngiogramSurgery Walking Diet changesStop smokingMedicationMild (pain, but doesn't stop you)Moderate (pain stops you at times)Severe (pain stops you often)"Lifestyle Limiting" ClaudicationSevere (pain interferes with daily tasks)Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)CLI occurs due to a severe blockage that limits blood flow to your lowerleg/foot, which can lead to tissue death. Symptoms include leg pain,numbness, and cramping that wake you up at night. Wounds may alsoP.A.D. Classifications & TreatmentIntermittent ClaudicationCLIIschemic Rest Pain (pain awakens you)Non-healing Foot Ulcer/GangreneExtensive Gangrene (Tissue Loss)3-month walking trial:Do symptoms improve?P.A.D. DiagnosisDoctors place P.A.D. patients into one of two categories based on test resultsand symptoms, either claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI). Thatcategorization determines treatment options.ClaudicationWhen you walk, you experience symptoms that disappearat rest. Most with P.A.D. are considered claudicants andnever require a procedure. Lifestyle modifications andmedical therapy are frontline treatment and can improvesymptoms over time. If the claudication doesn't improveover time and is "lifestyle limiting," meaning your daily tasksare impacted, your physician may discuss a procedure.appear on your feet/toes that won't heal and/or becomeinfected, and may result in gangrene. Doctors will discussminimally invasive or surgical options to try to restore bloodflow. Always get a second opinion if amputation is discussed. Most are preventable with advanced tools and techniques.(Ask for angiogram first)
Walking My Walking GoalAsk your doctor for a referral to a registered dietician toreduce artery damage caused by food, such as unhealthyfats, sugar, and carbohydrates. Clinician Name AppointmentWhen your heart pumps blood into your lungs to fill it up with a fresh supply ofoxygen, chemicals in cigarettes flow directly into your bloodstream, causingartery damage and blood clots. It's important to quit smoking before aprocedure as clots will stick to treated areas and cause blockages again. Askyour doctor for help to quit smoking. SuggestionsP.A.D. TreatmentFrontline treatment for P.A.D. is in your hands with lifestyle modifications. Ifsymptoms are 'lifestyle limiting,' a physician may intervene if they don't improve in3 months with frontline therapy. If in CLI, lifestyle modifications are critical afterblood flow is restored to slow or stall disease progression.Questions For My Doctor:It's the most effective treatment for P.A.D. Your body has acollateral network of arteries that can expand and grow tore-route blood flow around blockages. Diet/Weight LossSmoking CessationPrescribed Medications:
Learn new treatmentoptionsFind a P.A.D. doctorGet diet help & dietworkbookGet help withtransportationJoin walking program& get progress reportsJoin our patientcommunityYou have arrived ata better quality oflife with P.A.D.Get a list of questionsto ask your doctorAsk questions aboutP.A.D.No one should have to navigate this journey alone. The Way To MyHeart P.A.D. Navigators are with you every step of your P.A.D. journey.to provide comprehensive education, high-touch advocacy, and real-time support. P.A.D. SupportCALL NOW(415) 320-7138CHECK US OUTTheWayToMyHeart.org