Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is most common in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. results from fatty deposits (plaque) that build up in the arteries outside the heart (peripheral arteries); mainly the arteries supplying the legs and feet. This buildup narrows or blocks your arteries and reduces the amount of blood and oxygen delivered to your leg muscles and feet.



The most common symptoms of PAD include pain and/or tiredness in the legs or hip muscles while walking or climbing up stairs and cramping.  The pain will go away when resting but it returns once the person starts walking again.PAD Fast Facts:


PAD often goes undiagnosed by doctors


Many people will mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else


If PAD is not treated, it can lead to gangrene and amputation


If you have diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoke, you are at an increased risk for PAD


Most PAD patients illness can be managed by changing lifestyle and through medications Where can I find more information on PAD?

At the American Heart Association PAD page.8. Obesity

The AHA defines obesity as “too much body fat”. If you have too much fat in your body, and if is mainly in your waist area, you are at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.  Obesity alone, even without any other risk factors, can increase risk of heart disease.



Obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease because obesity:


raises cholesterol levels & triglyceride levels


lowers good cholesterol


raises blood pressure


can cause diabetes



If you have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher, you are considered obese.



If you are obese, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by:


A healthy diet and exercise


Cutting out fats


If you have emotional issues that cause you to eat, seeking some sort of counseling to deal with that.Where can I find more information on obesity?Obesity & Overweight Body Composition Tests9.  Congenital Heart Disease In Adults

Congenital Heart defects in adults are not common. Patients can get the best care at a center where medical professionals are skilled in caring for patients with problems due to congenital heart disease. These medical people include board-certified pediatric and adult cardiologists, cardio-thoracic surgeons and intensive-care experts, as well as a skilled support team. Often these centers have doctors skilled in special radiology procedures for people with congenital heart disease. With advancements in medical technology over the past 30 years, children born with congenital heart defects can be treated and can live full, healthy lives without any complications.