PAD

What to Expect from Your PAD Medical Team

What to Expect from Your PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Medical Team

Have you noticed new or increased symptoms such as poor circulation, leg pain, cold legs and sores recently?

Too many people dismiss these important signs as mild irritations. Some also worry that physicians won’t take their concerns seriously or, worse, will recommend amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe). It feels easier to not schedule a doctor appointment.

Early detection is important if you have peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD). Through tests such as an ankle-brachial indexThis is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured at the ankle to that measured in the arm artery. It is sometimes also called the ankle-arm index. (ABI) and getting the right treatment, you can help stop the disease from getting worse. You might also save a toe or leg from amputation.¹⁷

Learning how a team of medical providers will work with you will also make you feel more comfortable going to appointments.

Keep your PAD medical appointments

If you’re experiencing new symptoms, your first step is to meet with your primary care physician (PCP). According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, “If you are older than 50, have diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both., are a smoker or overweight and have leg pain when you walk, it is a good sign to talk to your doctor.” Your PCP’s evaluation will help determine if you need to see a specialist.

Your PAD medical team probably will involve several providers. “Nurse practitioners or physicians will function as a navigator for patients to ensure they go to every appointment,” says Dr. Jason Mendivil, a podiatrist for Pulse Amputation Prevention Centers in El Paso, TX. “It’s important to see every healthcare professional that is recommended to you — from interventional radiologists to podiatrists to vascular surgeons.”

What to expect from a PAD specialist

During your checkup with a PCP, they will determine if you’re at risk for PAD by asking questions about your medical history. They may also perform or request an ABI test. With this test, your doctors can compare the blood pressure in an arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. of the ankle to the blood pressure in an artery of the arm.

If you need to see a PAD specialist, you may work with a team of clinical care coordinators, podiatrists and wound care specialists, vascular specialists and other healthcare professionals.

Podiatrist will perform a general physical examination of your feet, especially with diabetic patients. They will also treat and track the healing of open wounds.
Vascular specialists will examine the blood flow through your entire leg. “Once I get an entire good picture of the entire arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. and circulation of both legs, then we make a decision of what is the best way to treat a patient,” says Dr. M. Laiq Raja, a cardiologist at Pulse Amputation Prevention Centers in El Paso, TX. Minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. endovascularThis means “inside blood vessels.” To perform endovascular procedures, surgeons use special technologies and instruments. These procedures require only a small incision or puncture in an artery or vein. procedures include angioplastyIn this minimally invasive procedure, a small, hollow tube (catheter) is threaded through a blood vessel to the affected artery. A small balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to reopen the artery and flatten the blockage into the artery wall, while at the same time stretching the artery open to increase blood flow., stenting and/or atherectomyA minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries by using a device on the end of a catheter to remove atherosclerotic plaque (a deposit of fat and other substances that accumulate in the lining of the artery wall).. For more serious forms of PAD, doctors may recommend arterial bypass surgeryYour doctor will create a graft bypass using a vessel from another part of the body or a blood vessel made of synthetic fabric. This technique allows blood to flow around – or bypass – the blocked or narrowed artery..

Schedule an initial evaluation and keep ongoing medical appointments with your PAD medical team. That way you can have more treatment options and avoid amputation of a toe, foot or leg due to advanced PAD.

For more information

If you or a loved one needs help finding a doctor or getting a second opinion, use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to help find a PAD expert near you.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can cause burning or pain in the feet and legs

Is Peripheral Neuropathy the Same as PAD?

When you talk with your doctor about diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both., you may hear a variety of medical terms, including peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.) and peripheral neuropathyThe most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. It affects the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. It generally starts in the feet, and it tends to start in both feet at once..

It’s easy to confuse these “peripheral conditions” because both cause burning or painful discomfort in the feet or legs. As you advocate for your or a loved one’s health, you want to know the correct diagnosis and term. That way you can do additional research and know the right type of doctor for a second opinion.

So what is the difference between these two serious conditions?

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Your peripheral nervous system is the critical connection between your central nervous system and the rest of your body. Peripheral nerves tell you how you feel — cold, hot, tingly, prickly, numb or weak. But what happens if these nerves are damaged or destroyed?

Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system. is a disease that results from diminished or malfunctioning peripheral nerves. According to Johns Hopkins, “Some people inherit the disorder from their parents. Others develop it because of an injury or another disorder,” which can include chemotherapy, infections, traumatic injuries and more. However, diabetes is one of the most common causes.⁴⁵

Peripheral neuropathy can mask PAD symptoms and delay diagnosis, according to Harvard Health Pubhlishing. Women are particularly at risk as they are less likely to report pain.

Know the symptoms

Estimates show that neuropathy will affect about 25% to 30% of Americans. The condition affects people of all ages; however, older people are at increased risk. About 8% of adults over 65 years of age report some degree of neuropathy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The most common peripheral neuropathy symptoms include:

Gradual onset of numbness and weakness in legs
Constant or shooting/stabbing pain
Changes in sensation — from an inability to feel pain, pressure, temperature or touch to extreme sensitivity to touch and severe pain, especially at night
Pain during casual activities
Tripping, stumbling, lack of coordination and balance problems
Muscle weakness and atrophy

What is PAD?

While peripheral neuropathy is a nervous system condition, PAD is a condition of the arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body.. It’s characterized by narrowed, hardened arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow to the legs and feet.

Common risk factors for PAD are increasing age, diabetes, kidney diseaseA disease that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and extra water from the blood. and smoking. PAD has a range of general symptoms:

Cold toes or feet
Dry, discolored skin
Pain while walking
Nighttime leg pain
Painful, heavy legs
Numbness or burning sensations
Wounds that won’t heal
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene. or black tissue

Peripheral neuropathy can mask PAD symptoms and delay diagnosis, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Talk to your primary care physician (PCP) if you’re having recurring pain. Describe the pain in detail to help get a proper diagnosis.

You want to diagnose PAD or peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease as soon as possible. Early detection gives your doctor more treatment options and prevent the conditions from getting worse.

Use Take a Stand Against Amputation’s Symptom Quiz and Find a Doctor tool if you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to PAD.

What are Varicose Veins?

Have you been noticing little purple and blue veins suddenly appearing on your legs? You could have varicose veins. These veins are abnormal, swollen and twisted blood vessels. They are often surrounded by thin, red capillaries commonly known as spider veins.

Varicose veins are a type of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a category of diseases that affect the flow of blood in your legs. Peripheral Vascular Diseases include:

Chronic venous insufficiency
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Thrombophlebitis
Varicose Veins
Peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.)

Varicose Veins — Not Just a Cosmetic Inconvenience

Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic inconvenience; they can also be very painful.

“A lot of my patients that have varicose veins have to go home at the end of their workday, put their legs up on a couch, take some Tylenol^® or Advil^® and do these things to get the pressure off of their legs by elevating them,” says Vascular & Interventional Radiologist Dr. Kirk Minkus, at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Similarities and Differences Between Varicose Veins and PAD

PAD and varicose veins have some similar symptoms, such as leg pain, heaviness, a warm feeling and aching in your legs. Other symptoms of PAD include:

Cold toes or feet
Dry, discolored skin
Pain while walking
Nighttime leg pain
Numbness
Wound that won’t heal
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene. or black tissue

Studies have shown that patients with varicose veins may be at increased risk for PAD. The American College of Cardiology notes that the association between varicose veins and PAD is not certain, but clinicians should still be aware of a possible connection. Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms at your appointments and routinely check the pulse and blood pressure in your legs and feet.

Don’t assume you know whether your symptoms are the result of PAD or varicose veins. Find a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

“If you have any of these venous-type symptoms, you need to get in touch with a vascular specialist like myself,” says Dr. Minkus. “We can discuss with you the treatments we have to be able to fix varicose veins issues and this tight, bloated, swollen, painful, achy, warm feeling in your legs that you experience every day.”

For More Information

Would you like to know more about varicose veins? Watch Dr. Minkus discuss this subject in “Varicose Veins Explained”, brought to you by Take A Stand Against AmputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe)^® and The Way To My Heart.

Don’t let your symptoms intensify. Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to talk to a PAD specialist today.

We’re Here to Stand Against Amputation with You

We’re Here to Stand Against AmputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) with You

A lesser known health condition is making a big impact in the U.S. Every year, about 160,000 Americans undergo an amputation due to peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.).³

That is a significant number for one health condition, and it’s staggering considering that it represents more amputations than all U.S. war-related amputations since the Civil War.

PAD is a common and often underdiagnosed circulatory disease where blood flow to the legs and feet is restricted by the narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup. Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation and put you or a loved one’s quality of life and long-term health at serious risk.

Amputations result from a variety of factors, including underlying conditions, late-stage diagnosis and healthcare disparities.

73,000 amputations per year are patients with diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.³
The risk for amputation is 10 times greater in patients who have both PAD and diabetes versus those who have PAD alone¹²
Critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI) — the advanced form of PAD — carries a high risk of lower limb amputation estimated in 10% to 40% of patients⁶⁰
African Americans are up to 4 times more likely to have an amputation than Caucasian Americans⁶¹

How to get the best care for PAD

Many people dismiss early PAD symptoms, like pain while walking or cold feet. Instead of talking with a health care professional, they may think these changes are just a normal part of getting older.

But it’s crucial to take these symptoms seriously and to schedule regular medical appointments and have open discussions with your doctor, according to Dr. Jihad Mustapha, Assistant Professor for Medicine at Michigan State University.

“If you have critical limb ischemia (the most severe form of PAD), your chance of dying is higher than colon, breast or prostate cancer,” he says. “Tell your doctor exactly what you’re feeling. With early detection of PAD, there are more treatment options available. Your physician may be able to recommend lifestyle changes or a minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. procedure.”

Are you at risk for PAD?

Over 50 years old
A current or former smoker
Have diabetes
Struggle with high blood pressure or cholesterol
Suffer from kidney diseaseA disease that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and extra water from the blood.

Reduce the risk of amputation

There are ways to reduce the possibility of amputation in addition to making lifestyle changes.

If you exhibit risk factors, talk to your doctor about PAD.
If you have received a PAD diagnosis, keep in-office or telehealth appointments to avoid more serious surgical interventions.
If a doctor recommends amputation, you can ask for a second opinion. Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist.

For More Information

There are treatment options available for PAD. Using the Find a Doctor tool to locate a specialist today and talk to them about your options.

Two Kinds of PAD Pain and Two Ways to Fight It

Two Kinds of PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Pain and Two Ways to Fight It

How bad is my pain from peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD)? Am I at a higher risk for amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) based on the pain I’m feeling? Vascular Surgeon Dr. Anahita Dua, with Mass General Hospital in Boston, Mass., explains the differences between experiencing pain while walking and pain in the legs while resting. Dr. Dua provides what the pain means, what can be done and the seriousness of peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease.

Watch Dr. Dua in “The Two Types of Peripheral Artery Disease Explained,” as she clearly and helpfully breaks down the two different categories of PAD and provides clarity into the kinds of pain PAD patients experience.

PAD in Two Buckets

PAD affects more than 20 million people and has a higher prevalence than cancer, stroke and congestive heart failure.^41–43 Despite that, many people don’t know enough about this potentially life-threatening disease.

Dr. Dua explains that PAD can be grouped in two categories:

Intermittent claudication: If a person experiences pain while walking, and they do not have open wounds on their legs or feet that won’t heal, they likely have intermittent claudication. This kind of PAD can have a very negative effect on quality of life. Dr. Dua explains that walking is the best way for people with this type of PAD to improve leg health, fight the effects of peripheral artery disease, and improve heart and overall health. She recommends that you push through and keep walking, even if you’re experiencing pain. The ultimate result will be an improved quality of life.
Critical Limb IschemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI): This type of peripheral artery disease is as serious as it sounds. You may have wounds on your feet or legs that won’t heal, and may experience intense, burning, nighttime pain in your legs when they are at rest. If the pain is there when you’re walking and doesn’t go away even when you’re resting, you could have CLI. People with CLI are at risk of amputation. These individuals need to see a specialist who could prescribe intervention.

Regardless of which kind of PAD you have, see a PAD specialist. It’s important to have the right diagnosis so your doctor can develop and prescribe a treatment plan that is right for you.

For More Information

Detection and treatment of PAD is important. You can better understand the different types and symptoms of PAD. Watch Dr. Anahita Dua, Vascular Surgeon with Mass General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, in “The Two Types of Peripheral Artery Disease Explained” brought to you by Take A Stand Against Amputation^® and The Way To My Heart, for more details about the two categories of PAD.

Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool so you can consult with a healthcare professional immediately if you think you might be at risk for PAD.

The Symptoms and Risks Factors of PAD

The Symptoms and Risks Factors of PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.

Would you recognize the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) even if you were experiencing them? Sometimes the signs of pain in your legs and feet are so gradual they’re easy to ignore.

But PAD can lead to amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) if left untreated! Dr. Kirk Minkus, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, warns about the consequences of missing the signs of PAD.

Watch Dr. Minkus in the video “Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors,” brought to you by Take A Stand Against Amputation^® and The Way To My Heart to learn more about this deadly disease.

Signs of Serious Health Problems

According to Dr. Minkus, “PAD is an affliction that affects the legs and can seriously restrict the amount of arterial blood flow that moves from your heart down to your toes and mainly, by way of the arterial vessels of your pelvis, your legs and your feet.”

PAD presents in a range of general symptoms, including:

Pain while walking
Limitation to how far you can walk
Pain and cramping in the calves or the legs
Discoloration of the feet and toes
Numbness in your feet or toes
Tingling in the legs or feet
Hair loss on the legs
Wounds that won’t heal
GangreneGangrene is dead tissue, caused by poor blood flow to part of your body. Gangrene can occur on the skin or in muscles or organs. Peripheral artery disease is a known cause of gangrene.

Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have a more serious health problem and dismiss the symptoms as the effects of getting older or as part of another condition.

For More Information

Do you want to discuss what you’ve learned about PAD with a healthcare professional? Use CSI’s Find a Doctor tool to talk to a PAD specialist today and prevent even the possibility of amputation.

Telehealth — A Way to Stay on Top of Appointments

Telehealth — The Modern Way to Make House Calls

People with peripheral arterial disease (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.) symptoms need to stay on top of appointments — even during a pandemic. While doctors and patients used telehealth appointments as a way to meet for years, COVID-19 accelerated its increased use. There are a variety of ways that telehealth can benefit PAD patients now and well into the future.

The Benefits of Telehealth

With the recent removal of regulatory hurdles, telehealth appointments are now more easily available. By talking with your physician on a phone, tablet or laptop, potential benefits include:

More time with your doctor. In many ways, telehealth is the modern form of doctors making house calls. Easy access to your physician helps improve connections and build relationships. Patients gain one-on-one time without the hassle and unpredictability of keeping in-person appointments.
Increased connectivity. Telehealth facilitates organization and communication. Patients receive calls before and after procedures to ensure they’re taking their medication and to follow up about symptoms. Both the doctor and the patient save time and money while increasing satisfaction because of the streamlined process.
Easier second opinions. Are you uncertain about a doctor’s diagnosis — especially if they’re advising you to get an amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe)? With telehealth, patients can access world-leading second opinions without the worry of travel and expense.

Telehealth Helps Patients with PAD

Not all healthcare professionals are PAD specialists. “There is never a reason to deny yourself exposure to increased levels of expertise,” says Dr. Craig Walker, interventional cardiologist and founder of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South. “That doesn’t ever negatively impact your diagnosis and it may indeed save your limb.”

“I really honestly believe no patient — short of someone who has very active infection and need for urgent, on-the-spot amputation like a crush injury or something like that — should have a major amputation without at least a major vascular assessment,” he continues.

PAD specialists can assess your symptoms via telehealth as thoroughly as in-person visits. Telehealth is applicable for seeing wounds on a leg or foot and evaluating:

Wounds that aren’t healing
Signs of infection
Color of limbs

However, before making a telehealth appointment, remember that insurance coverage does vary state by state and regulations can change. Check with your provider and insurance plan to verify your coverage.

For more information

Telehealth is going to become more common in the years ahead. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this innovative method to talk with your doctor about your PAD symptoms.

CSI’s Find a Doctor can help connect you with experts across the country who offer unique insights and second opinions through telehealth appointments.

Stop Smoking and Improve Your PAD Outlook

Stop smoking - By breaking the cigarette habit, you can improve your PAD outlook

Stop Smoking and Improve Your PAD Outlook

You’ve likely heard it many times: Smoking is bad for your health. But if you have peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.), smoking cigarettes could have a stronger effect on your health than you realize.

Smoking is a significant risk factor for PAD.³⁷ The lives of patients with PAD who also have cardiovascular problems could be at greater risk.²⁸

People who smoke are also at risk for developing plaque in their arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. (atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body.)¹⁹ — a leading cause of PAD, heart attack and stroke.²¹ PAD results from narrowed arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD can lead to a range of symptoms including aches, numbness and burning sensations in your legs and/or feet.

Without early detection and treatment, PAD can advance. The worst form of PAD is, critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. (CLI). People with CLI commonly have pain while walking. They may have open wounds on their feet or legs that won’t heal. Many people with CLI are at significant risk for amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) if they don’t seek treatment. Things can even get worse from there — CLI has been linked to putting a person’s life at risk.⁴

Smoking and aging are risk factors

Plus, aging plays a role in raising a smoker’s risk of PAD. The older a smoker is, the higher the risk for PAD.¹³

There is good news: There are treatment options for PAD. If you are a smoker, talk to your health care professional about your risk level for PAD. You can talk about options to help you stop smoking. If the doctor does diagnose PAD, you can discuss treatment options.

Don’t delay — talk to your doctor now. Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you who is experienced using Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., devices to treat PAD.

Reducing Health Disparities: Black Americans and PAD

Reducing Health Disparities: Black Americans and PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is more common in Black Americans than any other racial or ethnic group.⁶³ Black Americans are also twice as likely to get an amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) than White Americans due to PAD.⁴⁷

Why do these health disparities exist? And what can be done to reduce the possibility of amputations for Black Americans who have PAD?

Black Americans at Higher Risk for PAD

The risk of PAD varies between races, sexes, ages, smokers and people with diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.. The risk of PAD is about 30% for Black men and 28% for Black women, according to a recent study. In comparison, White Americans and Hispanics have a 20% chance to develop PAD.⁶³

The higher risk for PAD may be due to the prevalence of a number of conditions. For example, Black Americans are more likely to have anemia, high blood pressure and diabetes than White Americans.⁴⁷Diabetes is especially a problem for Black Americans due to biological risk factors including a combination of body mass index, waist measurement, fasting glucose levels, lipids, blood pressure and lung function, says the National Institutes of Health.

Let’s Not Accept PAD-related Amputations as Inevitable

Unfortunately, amputations as a treatment for PAD have been too normalized within the Black American community:

Black Americans are approximately twice as like to be amputatedTo have had all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) surgically removed. as White Americans⁴⁷
Black Americans have a far greater number of annual amputations⁴⁸

This data suggests that Black Americans have less access to care, are admitted to the hospital when sicker and are more likely to be treated at an Emergency Department.⁴⁷ Additionally, many patients and family members accept amputation as a treatment option from doctors who may not be PAD specialists and/or do not have limb salvage programs.

Amputation should be a last treatment option after exploring other minimally invasive approaches and arterial bypass surgery. Early diagnosis is also important so that PAD can be treated before it even becomes limb and life-threatening. Most physicians will diagnose PAD with a simple non-invasive ankle-brachial index (ABI). This screening test is one of the best ways to determine if a person has PAD and its level of severity.²³ Not surprisingly due to the higher risk of PAD, African Americans are two times more likely to screen positive for PAD than non-Hispanic whites based on data from the American Heart Association.

Because so many PAD and diabetes-related amputations are believed to be preventable, the American Diabetes Association is working to address this disparity in care and has included The Right to Avoid Preventable Amputations in their Health Equity Bill of Rights campaign that launched in 2020.

For More Information

It’s important for patients and loved ones to question if there are alternatives to amputation. Do your research! Don’t put your mobility and potentially your life at risk. Get a second opinion from a PAD specialist before agreeing to an amputation.

Learn about the treatment options available by using CSI’s Find a Doctor tool. Let’s all work together to reduce the PAD health disparities for Black Americans and the number of unnecessary amputations.

Racial Disparities in Amputation

improve racial disparities in PAD-related amputation rates

Racial Disparities in AmputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe)

African Americans are twice as likely to get an amputation than Caucasians. Hispanics are 50% more likely to be amputatedTo have had all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) surgically removed. compared to Caucasians.⁴⁷

These numbers are disappointing and unacceptable. Our goal at Take A Stand Against Amputation is to reduce the number of unnecessary amputations. Amputation can be a life-changing procedure with long-term, difficult consequences and a higher risk of death.

How to reduce the number of amputations

We need a multifaceted approach to reduce amputations, according to Interventional Cardiologist Aaron Horne, MD of HeartCare Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas. That effort needs to involve patient advocacy, physician education and policy making.

Amputations have been normalized. The upswing in diabetes(Diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. has made amputations feel common, especially in the African American community. Instead of questioning whether there are other treatment options, patients and their family accept the recommendation without getting a second opinion. Click here to learn more about how to get a second opinion and why that’s important.

People need to advocate for themselves. Patients often show a deference to their health care provider, according to Dr. Horne.

“It’s ‘Whatever you say, doc’ or ‘You’re the doctor, I don’t know,’ ” he says. “It’s important to ask questions. Advocate for yourself. Be comfortable with talking to your healthcare provider.”

In addition, not all doctors are PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. specialists. If you want to find another doctor to consult, you can use our Find a Doctor locator tool.

Health care providers need to be aware of the disparities. Dr. Horne believes that the medical community needs to do a better job of educating their peers about PAD, technology and treatment. “53%^5,16 of patients in this country have amputations without getting diagnostic tests to see if something can be done to get it fixed,” he says. “That needs to change.”

Learn, use and support the American Diabetes Equity Bill of Rights. It’s 60% more likely that African Americans will get diagnosed with diabetes and every 4 minutes a limb is amputated due to diabetes that could be avoided, according to the American Diabetes Association. That’s why the organization is trying to remedy the health inequities facing people of color. It’s 10-point Health Equity Bill of Rights seeks equal access to health care for everyone. Learn about the Bill of Rights here.

How to schedule a PAD appointment

Only a health care professional can determine if you have PAD and what stage you have. Learn more about the symptoms of PAD and how the disease progresses on our website. If you don’t have a PAD specialist, use our Find a Doctor tool to locate one.