What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a common, yet underdiagnosed, circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce the blood flow to the limbs. When PAD develops, the extremities, and in particular the legs, don’t receive enough direct blood flow to keep up with demand.

PAD is a highly prevalent disease, with morbidity and mortality similar to coronary artery disease, yet has limited preventative screening.

Who should be screened for PAD?

Worldwide prevalence of PAD was estimated to be 237 million adults in 2015, up from 202 million in 2010, and is expected to continue to rise. 1,2

How do you screen for PAD?

Most clinicians can perform an Ankle Brachial Index (or ABI) a quick, noninvasive way to check for PAD. The test specifically compares the blood pressure measured at your ankle with the blood pressure measured at your arm. A low ankle-brachial index number can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs.

This test is particularly important for screening patients at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, which causes 35% of deaths globally.

This simple screening is vital because:

  • 70% of patients with PAD experience no symptoms at all
  • 1/3 of asymptomatic patients have masked LEAD (LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL DISEASE)
  • 13% of the entire population is affected by PAD.
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Why is screening for PAD important?

It is important to measure the ABPI whenever using compression therapy to ensure this treatment is safe to use. Compression is not recommended for patients with an ABI of less than 0.8. The international guidelines are not to compress when ABI is less than 1.0!

ABPI screening for PAD

MESI

The MESI ABPI gives patients a reliable reading on extremities to identify PAD in as little as a minute. This method is accurate without serious consequences, eliminates human error, and provides a clear, proper treatment plan.

mediven angio compression sock

mediven® angio

The clinically proven medical compression stocking that fits the safety requirements for diabetes and mild-to-moderate PAD (ABIs greater than 0.51) patients with therapeutic treatment needs for chronic venous disease.

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References:

  1. Comparison of global estimates of prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2000 and 2010: a systematic review and analysis > https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)61249-0/fulltext
  2. Global, regional, and national prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2015: an updated systematic review and analysis > https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(19)30255-4/fulltext