Peripheral Arterial Disease: Early Detection Prevents Major Complications

Peripheral Arterial Disease, or P.A.D. is a condition suffered by more than 20 million Americans and over 200 million people worldwide. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D. This disease is much like heart disease, except it effects every other blood vessel in the body including the blood vessels leading to the brain, internal organs, arms, and legs. P.A.D. is caused by fatty deposits that form blockages within the arteries, preventing blood flow and leading to potentially catastrophic complications.

“P.A.D. is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in America, and it has a very strong correlation with complications such as heart attack, stroke, and amputation,” says Dr. Lyssa Ochoa of Peripheral Vascular Associates pvasatxstaging.wpengine.com. “Our local population in San Antonio, Floresville, and all of the South Texas areas is at an even greater risk than the rest of the nation, due to the increased prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.”

Many of those with PAD do not experience any symptoms, but it can reduce mobility, and can be fatal if left untreated. “I continue to stress how important it is for people over the age of 50 with risk factors or family history to be screened for P.A.D. A simple pain-free examination that compares blood pressures in the arms and legs can detect P.A.D. early,” says Dr. Ochoa who currently sees patients at the Connally Memorial Medical Center Multispecialty Clinic in Floresville.

Dr. Ochoa and Peripheral Vascular Associates have launched an effort to reach out to local communities to educate patients and screen for this disease. In support of the early detection and to help raise awareness about the disease in our community, Peripheral Vascular Associates is planning an ABI screening event on September 20th and 21st at many of their San Antonio and rural office locations. To participate in these events please call 210-237-4444 to see if you qualify and schedule an appointment.

Timely detection and treatment of P.A.D. can improve the quality of your life; help you keep your independence and mobility; and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, leg amputation, or even death. Join Dr. Ochoa for a public discussion on peripheral artery disease, early detection, and treatment options on September 6 at 12:00PM at Connally Memorial Medical Center. To secure your reservation please call Lori Marroquin at 830-393-1311.