Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), more commonly known as hardening of the arteries, affects 12-15 million Americans. It is a condition in which the large and medium sized arteries supplying blood to the lower extremities become narrowed or clogged, slowing or stopping the flow of blood. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up in the artery, forming a substance called plaque that clogs the artery.
The effects of this condition not only cause pain, disability and put limbs at risk, it is also one of the strongest risk markers available for predicting heart disease. Individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease are at a four-fold increased risk of heart attack and a two to three-fold greater risk for stroke, compared to individuals of the same age without PAD.
Life Line Screening evaluates for peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup in the lower extremities). A painless, quick and non-invasive Ankle Brachial Index (ABI index) test is performed using blood pressure cuffs on the arms and ankles. The ABI index is a ratio between the pressures in your arms and legs and will identify most cases of Peripheral Arterial Disease.
