Aspirus Heart Care offering Free PAD Screening
September is National Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Month
To help create
awareness of an often-unknown cardiovascular condition, Aspirus Heart Care is
offering a free screening to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD) for
community members who are most at risk for the disease.
According to the
National Institutes of Health, one in 20 people over the age of 50 have PAD,
with some people experiencing symptoms and some having no symptoms at all.
The condition is
caused by plaque buildup in blood vessels and arteries that reduces the flow of
oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet, causing aches, pains, and mobility
issues. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious complications
such as heart attack, stroke, or limb loss.
Screening appointments
are limited. To find out if you qualify for a free screening call 800-847-4707.
If you meet at least three of the following criteria,
you are encouraged to call.
- Must be over the age
of 50.
- Pain in feet, calves,
or thighs when you walk or exercise, which is relieved by rest.
- Weakness, numbness or
tingling in your leg and calf muscles.
- Smoking history.
- Slow to heal wounds on
feet or toes.
- Toes or feet that are
discolored, cold, or pale.
- Previously diagnosed
with high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease.
- Have not been
previously diagnosed with PAD.
The
free PAD screenings will be taking place:
- Wednesday, September
6th - Aspirus Wausau Hospital
- Saturday, September
16th - Aspirus Ironwood Hospital
- Wednesday, September
27th - Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital
Screening for PAD is a
simple, noninvasive pain-free test that measures blood flow in the arteries
using ultrasound imaging. Testing takes approximately 15 minutes.
For more information
about peripheral artery disease and the free screening, visit aspirus.org/PAD or call 800-847-4707.