Why all employers should know the importance of screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Welcome to this presentation on “FACTS ABOUT PAD DISEASE”. This educational activity is designed to help communicate an important message. That message is: the importance of timely detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and appropriate treatment strategies that can help reduce PAD related morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of vascular disease seen by doctors today. This disease affects the blood vessels in the cerebral vascular circulation, coronary circulation, and lower extremity arterial circulation. These manifestations may result in stroke or TIA, acute coronary syndromes, intermittent claudication (pain in leg during walking), or critical limb ischemia (lack of blood flow to arms, legs). Atherosclerosis often occurs in several vascular beds, including the coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries, and is the underlying condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). These atherosclerotic conditions often coexist in patients, increasing the risk for developing ischemic events such as heart attack and stroke. Patients with peripheral arterial disease were much more likely to have cigarette smoking, diabetes, a family history of coronary disease, elevated cholesterol and hypertension in their history compared to those patients without peripheral arterial disease. In addition, patients with peripheral arterial disease were more likely to have coronary heart disease and cerebral vascular disease in their history. It is imperative that people recognize the importance of timely detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), note the signs and symptoms so that they may discuss these with their primary care physician, and understand the various diagnostic and treatment strategies that can help reduce PAD related morbidity and mortality. In conclusion, peripheral vascular disease is a major problem. Physicians must become aware of this. There are many options for therapy including novel pharmacotherapies, surgical procedures and more recently endovascular therapy. The earlier this disorder is discovered, the more likely you will have good choices for treating the disease and symptom relief. Patients should understand that leg discomfort isn’t always arthritis or getting old. Elevated blood pressure in older age patients may not suggest that another pill should be added. Surgery is not always needed to repair circulatory disease.

Any person interested in learning the importance of screening for peripheral vascular disease for persons over 50 and smoking or 60 and relationship to cardiovascular disease, as well as signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.

Persons in attendance will learn the following regarding peripheral vascular disease: Etiology, prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. In addition, they will learn the importance of proper screening. Participants will learn the following: 1. Signs and symptoms of PAD 2. Diagnostic methods for PAD 3. Importance of screening for PAD 1.

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		Lisa Begley Onward Education & Training View Profile