An international group of cardiologists, angiologists and vascular surgeons is urging regular screening to help prevent complications in people with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is a common condition where a build-up of deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to the leg muscles. While many people with PAD show no symptoms, some may experience a painful ache in their legs when walking, which typically disappears after a few minutes of rest.
While PAD is caused by blocked arteries in the legs, it is often an early sign of artery blockages in the brain and heart. Early detection and treatment of PAD greatly reduces the risk of serious conditions such as amputations, heart attacks, and stroke. The new European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines, co-authored by researchers from the University of Surrey, also highlight that personalised treatment plans, which can include a simple walking regimen and healthy diet, could benefit the almost 300 million people living with PAD globally.
The guidelines also recommend a new and more reliable method to detect PAD that was developed in Surrey called the estimated ankle brachial pressure index. The guidelines further encourage the use of mobile apps to manage PAD and ensure that patients adhere to their personalized treatment plans. Professor Christian Heiss, a co-author and chairperson-elect of the ESC working group on aorta and peripheral vascular disease from the School of Biosciences at the University of Surrey, sai.