National Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month - September 2024

Health Awareness september

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects an estimated 10 million Americans. Yet, it is widely misunderstood by the public and often goes undiagnosed. PAD is treatable, and with early detection of the disease, it is believed that millions could avoid serious help concerns related to PAD. Thanks to National Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month, a much-needed spotlight is being cast on the importance of early detection. In September, we come together to provide hope and advocate for awareness.

PAD is caused by a hardening of arteries
Plaque in the inner lining of the arteries in the extremities can cause limb pain and other ailments like sores.
If untreated, it can lead to amputation
In serious cases, PAD may cause gangrene which can lead to the amputation of a limb
It is highly treatable
Habit changes such as quitting smoking and a healthier diet can help treat PAD but for serious cases medication and surgery may be necessary.
Symptoms are often mistaken for other things
The symptoms of PAD often start as fatigue and general leg pain, leading many to undiagnosed diseases.
Risk increases with age
While health factors can increase risk of PAD at any age, the older the patient is, the higher risk they are for PAD.

How to Observe National Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month

Tweet for Awareness
The more people are aware of PAD the better. Let your followers know about this highly treatable disease and encourage them to take preventative measures.
Help fundraise
Consider volunteering or contributing to organizations like the American Hearth Association looking to find treatments and cures for cardiovascular diseases like PAD.
Encourage someone you know to get checked
PAD so often goes undiagnosed. If someone you care about is suffering from chronic leg pain, encourage them to get checked out. You may just save their life and limbs.

Why National Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month is Important

It raises awareness of the disease
Because the symptoms of PAD are often mistaken for other ailments, including natural aging, the disease often goes undiagnosed. Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month helps raise awareness for this serious, but treatable, disease.
It empowers people to change their habits
Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a lack of activity can increase one's chances of contracting PAD. National Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month can help galvanize people to make healthier habits.
It provides hope for patients
Faced with the possibility of losing limbs, patients with PAD need hope that better awareness will lead to better treatments.