Brandy Flower, RN, places a sensor on a patient’s toe to screen for peripheral arterial disease at William Newton Hospital. (Photo courtesy WNH)
In recognition of American Heart Month, William Newton Cardiology is offering free screenings to the public for peripheral arterial disease or PAD, according to a new release from William Newton Hospital.
The clinic, located in suite 2C at the Physicians Pavilion in Winfield, is now scheduling PAD screenings from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
“Leg pain while walking, with exercise or even at rest, may be a sign of PAD,” says Brandy Cuevas, MHA, RN, William Newton Hospital Administrative Director of Cardiovascular Services. “In the early stages, many people do not experience symptoms, which is why early detection is so important.”
According to Cuevas, this disease affects blood flow to the legs and feet, known as peripheral arteries. Similar to coronary artery disease of the heart, plaque builds up in these arteries and can block blood flow. As less and less blood flow reaches the legs and feet, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as leg pain, aching, and even wounds.
Cuevas says recognizing risk factors is the first step towards getting diagnosed and treated. Untreated PAD can lead to complications including non-healing wounds and amputation. A few risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and over 60 years of age.
While many people with PAD are asymptomatic, there are several common symptoms to look for. Patients may have a few or none of these symptoms in the lower extremities:
• Painful leg cramping especially after exercise
• Leg numbness, weakness, heaviness
• Resting leg pain
• Cold feet or toes
• Dry and discolored skin
• Burning sensations or aching of feet and toes
• Hair loss
• Chronic sores
William Newton Cardiology’s simple, non-invasive test helps detect potential blood flow problems in about five minutes.
“It’s as easy as placing a sensor on your finger and toe, and a report is provided to your physician,” explains Cuevas.
To schedule a free screening, contact William Newton Cardiology at 620-222-6264.
