Vascular Access Centers Raises Awareness For Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening In November

Nov. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- (Philadelphia, PA) November 6, 2012 – In observance of Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Awareness Month, Vascular Access Centers (VAC) is reminding the public that Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) can be detected and treated.  While those with diabetes have a higher chance of developing PAD, this disease equally affects men and women of all ages and with many other comorbidities.  During the month of November, which is Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Awareness Month, VAC is encouraging those at risk or with symptoms of PAD to be screened.

PAD is generally caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in blood vessels called atherosclerosis.  This buildup narrows or clogs the vessels, thereby decreasing the flow of blood.  Though PAD can occur in any blood vessel (arteries, capillaries, veins), it most commonly manifests in the arteries of the legs and feet.  While many do not experience any symptoms of PAD, others may experience tingling, numbness or coldness in the legs or feet, sores that will not heal and/or fleeting leg pain at exertion or rest.  If left untreated, PAD can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular conditions.  In severe cases, necrosis may occur, leading to the need for limb amputation.

“There are 8 to 12 million documented cases of PAD in the United States,” stated Andrea Cutillo, Sr. Vice President of Sales & Marketing at VAC.  “It is estimated that only 25% of the general public is aware of PAD.  Far too many people unknowingly suffer from this disease.  We urge people to undergo screening, especially those who are diabetic or over the age of 50.”

Other risk factors for PAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, family history of vascular disease, and smoking.  If you think you may have PAD (download VAC's PAD questionnaire (http://www.vascularaccesscenters.com/UploadedImages/Conte...)), call your local VAC to schedule a time to come in for a screening.  You may use your printed, completed questionnaire as a voucher for a complimentary non-invasive screening test.

For more information, visit www.VascularAccessCenters.com (http://www.vascularaccesscenters.com/PublicPages/Peripher...) or call (215) 382-3680.

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About Vascular Access Centers:
Vascular Access Centers provide comprehensive dialysis access maintenance including thrombectomy/thrombolysis, fistulagrams, fistula maturation procedures, vessel mapping, central venous occlusion treatment and complete catheter services.

Many centers offer additional expanded services including central venous access for oncology, nutritional and medication delivery, venous insufficiency and other related venous disorders, venous ulcer/non-healing ulcer treatments, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), limb salvage, uterine fibroid embolization and pain management.

Certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology, the physicians at Vascular Access Centers (VAC) are among the nation’s leaders in vascular technology, combining decades of experience with state of the art technology to provide the highest quality vascular care.