September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a time to take action against a disease that affects more than 10 million Americans and is the largest cause of nontraumatic amputations in the United States. That’s why the PAD Pulse Alliance, a coalition of leading medical societies dedicated to improving vascular health, is urging patients, providers, and policymakers to act through its Get a Pulse on PAD Campaign.
PAD is a serious cardiovascular disease caused by blockages in the arteries of the legs. These blockages restrict blood flow, which can lead to cramping, pain while walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, the loss of a limb. PAD is also a warning sign of an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. While treatable, PAD often goes undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages.
“The Get A Pulse on PAD campaign is all about prevention, compassion, and ensuring that every patient, regardless of their background, has the chance to keep moving forward in life. PAD too often goes unnoticed until it reaches a critical stage. Many patients only learn they have PAD when pain prevents them from walking, when wounds no longer heal, or when they are facing the life-altering reality of amputation. We can change this story,” said Srihari S. Naidu, MD, MSCAI, President of SCAI, a founding member of the PAD Pulse Alliance.
“By raising awareness, educating the public, equipping clinicians with the best tools, and supporting legislative action, we can identify PAD earlier, treat it more effectively, and improve outcomes.”
Nearly 70% of those living with PAD do not know they have it, according to a survey by the PAD Pulse Alliance. Among Black and Hispanic adults, 8 in 10 report never having a health care provider discuss PAD with them, despite being disproportionately affected. The PAD Pulse Alliance is encouraging legislative action.
“Peripheral Artery Disease is one of the most devastating but overlooked threats to cardiovascular health, particularly in Black and Brown communities where rates of amputation remain alarmingly high. Too many lives are disrupted because PAD is not detected early enough, despite the fact that it is treatable and preventable,” said Foluso Fakorede, MD, CEO of Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi and co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) PAD Initiative.
“At ABC, our mission is to ensure that no patient is left behind due to systemic neglect or lack of awareness. By advancing screening, education, and equitable access to care, we can stop the cycle of unnecessary amputations and save both lives and limbs.”
What’s in the PAD patient toolkit
- Understanding PAD: An easy-to-understand overview of risk factors and warning signs
- A symptom checklist: Help recognize the signs of potential PAD to discuss with your doctor
- Questions to ask your doctor: To guide conversations about diagnosis, testing, and treatment options
- Testing explained: Step-by-step look at how a simple test, the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) can help identify PAD early
- Lifestyle steps to protect your arteries: Including smoking cessation, healthy eating, diabetes control, and exercise
“Peripheral Artery Disease is one of the most underrecognized yet devastating cardiovascular conditions in the U.S., too often diagnosed only after it has advanced and placed patients at risk for amputation, heart attack, or stroke.
“The Society for Vascular Surgery is proud to participate in the PAD Pulse Alliance to raise awareness, expand early screening and referral for at-risk populations, and advocate for equitable care. By identifying PAD earlier, addressing risk factors, and connecting patients to life- and limb-saving treatments, we can prevent amputations and improve the lives of millions,” said Keith Calligaro, MD, DFSVS, President of the Society for Vascular Surgery.
Top 5 things to know about PAD
- PAD is common. More than 10 million Americans are affected.
- PAD is underdiagnosed. Nearly 70% of people with PAD do not know they have it.
- Symptoms are often overlooked. Leg pain, cramping while walking, and slow-healing wounds may be dismissed as aging but can signal PAD.
- PAD can be detected with a simple test. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a quick, painless screening that compares blood pressure in the arm and ankle.
- PAD is treatable. Lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow and prevent amputation if caught early.
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