September is PAD (Peripheral artery disease) Awareness month. PAD is a terrible condition that impacts millions every year. Despite this, only 63% of people over forty have heard of the disease.
We are doing our best to spread awareness and educate people about the potential dangers of PAD. A late diagnosis can mean life-altering complications for the patient. In some cases, an amputation may be necessary.
What is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory condition in which the amount of blood flowing to the heart, arms, and legs is reduced due to narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels.
This blockage is often the result of plaque buildup. The patient may begin to experience a number of side effects. These include:
- A frigid feeling in the legs
- A numbing sensation in the appendages
- A weak pulse in the legs or feet
- Painful cramping
If left untreated, the arteries that lead to the heart and brain can become hardened. Failing to begin treatment can increase the patient’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Amputation may become required if total loss of circulation occurs.
How to Treat PAD?
The good news is that in many cases, PAD can be treated. When detected early, diet, exercise, and taking certain medications is all that is required. However, treatment is rarely the issue. The problem is that many patients won’t realize they have PAD until the symptoms become severe.
Testing for PAD is a painless procedure. Using the TM Flow System, you can quickly determine a patient’s ABI (ankle-brachial index) by performing a five-minute test. This test measures how well blood is flowing throughout the body. An ABI test can determine the severity of the patient’s case of peripheral artery disease. Thanks to the TM Flow System, you can have your patient’s results in mere minutes.
Early detection is crucial for improving the prognosis of anyone suffering from PAD. Please help us spread awareness by educating those around you about the dangers of PAD.