What is PAD? And Why Does Calcium Matter?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a life-threatening condition that affects 8 to 12 million Americans*. The five year mortality rate for peripheral artery disease is more than that of Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer, combined. For those who suffer from it, arterial calcium is often a complicating factor. The more calcium builds up on the inside walls of the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to legs and arms, the more the arteries lose flexibility and narrow, causing a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet.
PAD can cause heavy, tired or painful legs and feet - known as claudication.If allowed to progress, it can also lead to a severe lack of blood flow in the legs or feet, resulting in ulcers or sores that don't heal (commonly referred to as Critical Limb Ischemia). If left untreated PAD can also result in increasing leg pain, amputation and even death.
Prevalence of PAD
Five Year Mortality Rates for PAD and CLI
1. American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2007 Update
2. National Cancer Institute 2005 data
3. National Institutes of Health
4. American Diabetes Association 2005 data
5. Includes myocardial infarction and angina pectoris
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