ANN ARBOR, Mich. —Peripheral arterial disease often starts with leg pain, but rather than simple fatigue, the discomfort could be a sign of a dangerous heart problem.

In PAD, fatty deposits build up in the inner lining of the artery walls. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, the build-up affects circulation in the legs, feet, arms, kidneys and the stomach. Most people with PAD have a higher risk of death from stroke and heart attack.

The University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center offers good news: PAD can be managed or even reversed with proper care.

The Diagnostic Vascular Unit of the U-M Cardiovascular Center will offer free PAD screenings Sept.13 and Sept. 24 that include carotid ultrasound, abdominal aortic ultrasound and ankle brachial index studies.

Read about U-M patient Colbert Smith's journey with PAD

The public will also have an opportunity to consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner from the U-M’s Peripheral Arterial Disease program who specializes in vascular health and leave with results in-hand.

When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 13 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 24.

Where: In the third floor Diagnostic Vascular Unit of the U-M Cardiovascular Center at the corner of Ann and Observatory streets, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Who’s at risk? About 8 million Americans have PAD and it becomes more common with age. People who smoke and/or have diabetes are at especially high risk. People with these risk factors should get screened for PAD, even if they’re not having symptoms. Other risk factors are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and inactivity.

How to sign up
Call 734-232-4460 to schedule an appointment for the free screening, or emailCVC-PADscreening@med.umich.edu.
 

Resources

U-M Cardiovascular Center’s Peripheral Artery Disease program