Peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Welcome to Public Health Moment from the University of Minnesota.Three out of four American adults know little or nothing about peripheral arterial disease or PAD, a common blockage of blood vessels in the legs that boosts heart risk. That’s according to a report co-authored by Dr. Alan Hirsch, a professor of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota. <Clip: “This illness is important…also has a high mortality rate.”> Hirschs says that there are many effective treatments for peripheral arterial disease, which affects about 9 million Americans. A common symptom of PAD is leg muscle pain. <Clip: “For these individuals, we believe…no less important than chest pain.”> But Hirsch adds that in many cases there are no clear symptoms. <Clip: “We can’t rely on symptoms alone…be treated and maintain their health.”> With another Public Health Moment, I’m John Finnegan