Free PAD Screening

Have you ever experienced a strange pain your legs or feet? Maybe even your toes that’s leaves you wondering, What could that be?

Tonight Genesis Healthcare Systems sponsored a free event hoping to help those who have those undiagnosed pains. Genesis held a screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease, which is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the legs, possibly causing these myseterious pains.

"When you talk about the symptoms of PAD, it affects the lower extremities. We talk about leg discomfort, that typically occurs with activity, typically with walking and goes away with rest. But not everyone with PAD has typical symptoms," said Cardiologist Dr. Abdulhay Albirini.

Dr. Albirini says atypical symptoms include leg and foot numbness and tingling. The typical risk factors of PAD are smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and age and genetic factors. Dr. Albirini says PAD is similar to another potentially harmful disease.

"It’s the same process that affects coronary arteries affects the peripheral arteries," he said. "those who CAD are more likely to PAD. People who have PAD are more likely to have CAD."

Dr. Albirini suggests those over the age of 70 be screened for PAD. He says younger people who smoke or have diabetes should also be screened.

Dr. Albirini says most people with PAD don’t die from it, but from heart attacks and strokes. He says it is a treatable disease, but it is critical to modify your risk factors.