Who is at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Q: Who is at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

A: There are many different groups of patients that are at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease. First of all, smokers.  Patients who are heavy cigarette smokers have a very high risk of Peripheral Arterial Disease and they tend to develop it at a relatively early age. While most patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease may not present until their 70s or late 60s, a smoker may be present in their 50s with the symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease. So smokers are important to the risk group.

Diabetics are at very high risk as well.  Patients who are long-term diabetic, particularly insulin-dependent diabetics but even non-insulin-dependent diabetics, are at much higher risk of developing Peripheral Arterial Disease. They tend to get disease in the vessels in the calves and in the feet, and sometimes it’s a little bit more extensive than the other patient groups.

Other risk factors are high blood pressure, patients with coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol, patients with kidney failure, patients who are on dialysis who have a very high incidence of Peripheral Arterial Disease, and elderly patients. Patients who are over 80 also have a much higher incidence of Peripheral Arterial Disease.

More videos from the interview with Dr. Shams of the Lower Manhattan Endovascular Center as he explains the warning signs of Peripheral Arterial Disease: 

• Why should a patient get a PAD screening?
• What are some warning signs or symptoms that you should get a PAD screening?
• Why are there so many amputations in the United States when there are alternative treatments?
• What do you feel is the most important thing for patients to understand about PAD?

Request a consultation at your nearest American Endovascular center today.