Dr. Barbara Karenko from Metro Health talks about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Anyone at rise for heart disease is at risk of PAD; it affects about 10 million Americans and becomes more common with age. It is a circulatory disease in which narrowed arteries decrease blood flow from the hear. Arteries can become hardened or blocked by a buildup of fat. These fatty buildups can decrease or block blood from reaching the legs, feet, fingers and toes.
Warning signs for PD include leg cramping, pain or fatigue when walking, tingly or numb feet or legs when resting, changes in skin color or temperature and ulcers or sores that don't heal.
There is help. Cardiologists at Metro Heart and Vascular focus treatment on reducing symptoms and preventing the disease from progressing. Treatment can include making lifestyle changes, including exercising regularly, eating a diest low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes. They also use procedures that remove blockages from arteries.
PAD is a BIG deal because it can progress to the point that tissue dies and/or the pain from it becomes unbearable. In fact, many people with PAD undergo amputation to stop the disease. The interventions available at Metro Health can prevent amputation.
Metro Health is offering a Free PAD Screening:
June 4, 8:00 a.m. - noon
Metro Health Hospital, Main Lobby, 5900 Byron Center Ave., SW, Wyoming
Register at 616-242-4880