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Early screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is important for several reasons:

Early Detection: Detecting PAD early allows for prompt intervention and management, which can help prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
Risk Stratification: Identifying PAD early helps healthcare providers assess the patient's overall cardiovascular risk. PAD is often associated with other cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke, so early detection can prompt comprehensive risk assessment and management.
Symptom Management: PAD can cause symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, and weakness, which can significantly impair a person's quality of life. Early screening can lead to earlier symptom management and improve the patient's comfort and mobility.
Prevention of Complications: PAD increases the risk of complications such as poor wound healing, infections, and even limb amputation, particularly in advanced stages. Early detection and management can help prevent these complications or reduce their severity.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: PAD is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Early identification allows for targeted interventions to reduce overall cardiovascular risk, such as lifestyle modifications, medication management, and potentially invasive procedures if needed.
Improved Outcomes: Studies have shown that early detection and intervention in PAD can lead to better outcomes, including improved walking distance, reduced risk of cardiovascular events, and overall better prognosis.
In summary, early screening for PAD is crucial for timely management, prevention of complications, and reduction of cardiovascular risk, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

Why Should I Early Screen For Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) ?

Details Of Peripheral Artery Diseases And Preventive Health Care

Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
High Levels of Homocysteine
Sedentary Lifestyle
Increasing Age
Family History

Other health conditions and disorders of arteries can mimic the symptoms of PAD, and not all PAD is due to atherosclerosis.[ 1,2]

If you have PAD, you are at risk for developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke [3].

References:

Creager MA, Loscalzo J. Chapter 275: Arterial Diseases of the Extremities. In: Jameson J, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Loscalzo J. eds. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e. McGraw-Hill; Accessed August 28, 2020.
Cohoon KP, Wennberg PW, Rooke TW. CHAPTER 96: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DISEASES OF THE PERIPHERAL ARTERIES. In: Fuster V, Harrington RA, Narula J, Eapen ZJ. eds. Hurst’s The Heart. 14e. McGraw-Hill; Accessed August 28, 2020.
Gerhard-Herman MD, Gornik HL, Barrett C, et al. 2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines [published correction appears in 2017 Mar 21;135(12 ):e790]. Circulation. 2017;135(12):e686-e725.

The common symptom of PAD is discomfort in the lower extremities after physical exertion particularly walking, which subsequently improves following a period of rest.

Nevertheless, as many as 40% of individuals with PAD do not experience any leg pain. 70% of Diabetics are Asymptomatic for PAD. Individuals may experience pain, aches, or cramps while walking, a condition known as claudication, which can occur in the buttock, hip, thigh, or calf.

Physical manifestations that may suggest Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) encompass muscle atrophy (weakness), hair loss, smooth and glossy skin, cool skin temperature, particularly when accompanied by walking-induced pain that subsides upon cessation, diminished or absent pulses in the feet, non-healing sores or ulcers in the legs or feet, and cold or numb toes.

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This plaque is made up of substances like cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, and other cellular waste products. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to organs and tissues.

It typically develops as:

Initiation: Atherosclerosis begins with damage to the inner lining of the artery wall, often due to factors like high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, or inflammation. Once damaged, the inner layer of the artery becomes susceptible to the accumulation of plaque.
Plaque Formation: Initially, there might be an accumulation of cholesterol and other substances at the site of the damage. Immune cells like macrophages engulf the cholesterol, forming foam cells. These, along with other cellular components and debris, contribute to the formation of a fatty streak within the artery wall.
Plaque Growth: Over time, more cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate at the site of the fatty streak, forming a larger plaque. This plaque may protrude into the artery lumen, narrowing the passage through which blood flows.
Complications: As the plaque continues to grow, it can impede blood flow to vital organs and tissues. Additionally, the plaque can become unstable and rupture, leading to the formation of blood clots (thrombus) on its surface. These blood clots can further obstruct blood flow or break loose, causing blockages in smaller blood vessels downstream, leading to heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events.
Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition and can affect arteries throughout the body, including those supplying the heart (coronary arteries), brain (carotid arteries), legs (peripheral arteries), and other organs. It is a major underlying cause of various cardiovascular diseases and is often associated with conditions like coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Management typically involves lifestyle modifications, medications to control risk factors, and, in some cases, surgical interventions to restore blood flow.

How FootPlus™ Helps In Detecting Peripheral Artery Diseases (PAD)

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Our state-of-the-art devices leverage the latest advancements in engineering, materials science, and medical research to address unmet needs and challenges across a wide range of medical specialties.

Why Should I Early Screen For Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) ?

Details Of Peripheral Artery Diseases And Preventive Health Care

How FootPlus™ Helps In Detecting Peripheral Artery Diseases (PAD)

Let’s talk

We’d love to know how we can help you and your patients.

info@iivhealth.com

+91 96199 99008