Black Westchester Magazine Features Risk Factors of PAD - USA Vascular Centers

1. Black Westchester Magazine Features Risk Factors of PAD by Dr. Yan Katsnelson Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition that occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the legs, feet, and other organs. This buildup of plaque is also known as atherosclerosis. PAD can cause a variety of symptoms, such as leg pain or cramping, especially during exercise or activity, which goes away with rest. Other symptoms can include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, wounds or sores on the feet or legs that do not heal or heal very slowly, coldness or changes in color of the skin on the legs or feet, hair loss on the feet and legs, and weakened or absent pulses in the legs. However, many people with PAD do not experience any symptoms, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you have any risk factors for the disease, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease or PAD. A healthcare provider can perform a simple test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI) to screen for PAD and recommend appropriate treatment options.

2. What Are the Risk Factors of PAD? There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), including: • Smoking: Smoking is the single most important risk factor for PAD. It damages the lining of the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. • Age: PAD is more common in people over the age of 50. • Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop PAD, as high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels. • High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the arteries and increase the risk of plaque buildup.

3. High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. • Family history: If you have a family history of PAD, you may be at increased risk. • Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing PAD. • Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise can contribute to many of the other risk factors for PAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. • Ethnicity: African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk of developing PAD compared to Caucasians. If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing PAD.

4. How Is the Black Community Directly Impacted? PAD is already an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease in the general population, and in the Black community, this is even truer. Worse still, Black Americans are also more likely to suffer from severe PAD complications, including amputation. While there are many reasons for this, researchers believe that structural racism plays a significant role.  For example, even though the Black community experiences high blood pressure (hypertension) at a higher rate than any other group, the Black community also has the lowest treatment rate for hypertension. Hypertension is a direct risk factor for PAD, which means that thousands of Black Americans go without hypertension treatment that could help prevent PAD. This lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment is due in part to implicit biases and systemic racism in the United States.2 Members of the Black community often lack the same access to healthcare and high-quality medical facilities that other groups, particularly white people, enjoy due to racist policies that reinforce gentrification, displacement, and poverty in the Black community. 

5. Diagnosing and Treating PAD in the Black Community Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs, arms, and other parts of the body become narrow or blocked. PAD is more common in older adults and those with certain risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of PAD. In the black community, the risk of developing PAD is higher than in other populations. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect you may have PAD. Diagnosing PAD in the Black Community: The following diagnostic tests may be used to diagnose PAD:

6. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test: This test compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to determine if there is a reduction in blood flow to the legs. Doppler Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in the arteries and veins. Angiography: This test uses X-rays and a contrast dye to create detailed images of the blood vessels. Treating PAD in the Black Community: The treatment of PAD may include lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. Some of the treatment options include:

7. Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and following a healthy diet can help manage the symptoms of PAD. Medications: Medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to control high blood pressure may be prescribed to help manage PAD. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to bypass or remove blockages in the arteries. Angioplasty and Stenting: In this procedure, a tiny balloon is inserted into the affected artery to widen it, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open. It's essential to manage the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PAD in the black community, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Seeking medical attention and following the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider can help manage the symptoms of PAD and improve your quality of life.