Get Screened for Peripheral Arterial Disease

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Do your legs hurt or ache when you walk or exercise? You may have peripheral arterial disease, also known as PAD. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s Health Connections is offering free PAD screenings on Friday, Oct. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Appointments are necessary and may be made by calling 301-475-6019.

If you are age 60 or older, or if you are age 50 or older and have a history of diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you are eligible for a PAD screening. For those who have previously been screened and disease was found, please follow up with your primary care physician.

Peripheral arterial disease is a condition that causes blood vessels to become blocked from fatty deposits that build up inside arteries, especially in the legs and feet. People living with diabetes are at greater risk for PAD. Controlling diabetes may lower the risk of this disease. Other lifestyle changes that may improve both diabetes and PAD include blood pressure management, smoke cessation, exercise, and a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. For more information on Health Connections American Diabetes Association recognized classes, please call 301-475-6019.

Source: Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital