Longview Regional involved in P.A.D. Coalition
PAD Raises your risk for Heart Attack and Stroke

(LONGVIEW, TX – April 15, 2011) Longview Regional Medical Center is pleased to be working with Stay in Circulation, the first national public awareness program to help Americans learn about peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) risk factors, prevention, and treatment. In the United States, more than eight million Americans suffer from P.A.D., which develops when arteries become clogged with fatty deposits (plaque) that limit blood flow to the legs. Like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D, and African Americans over age 50 are at an even higher risk. Other risk factors include a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. P.A.D. is a common and treatable disease that is on the rise among midlife and older Americans. However, it is still largely unknown, often unrecognized, and incorrectly regarded by many as an inevitable consequence of aging.

P.A.D. is a serious disease that occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque. The buildup causes the arteries to harden, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. P.A.D. does not always present symptoms. For some people, the first sign of P.A.D. is claudication, which can feel like fatigue, heaviness, tiredness, cramping, or pain in the leg muscles. This discomfort occurs during activity such as walking and promptly goes away at rest. People often think this pain is just a natural part of aging and do not tell their health care providers, but leg discomfort can be a sign that the leg arteries are already clogged. Symptoms of more severe cases of P.A.D. include foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep. Lifestyle changes that may include taking medications can lower the risk of developing P.A.D. and other vascular diseases while offering the added benefit of improving your overall health.

Longview Regional is involved in the campaign through a variety of activities including venous risk assessments and various community sponsored runs/walks in an effort to help our community take steps to learn about P.A.D. while staying active and healthy.

For more information, visit www.longviewregional.com or www.aboutpad.org.