Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the extremities (usually the legs) become narrowed or blocked, resulting in an insufficient blood supply.1 Common forms of PAD are extracranial carotid stenosis, aortoiliac disease, and lower- extremity occlusive disease.2

An American Heart Association report estimates that PAD affects approximately 8.5 million Americans 40 years of age or older. 3 The report estimates the prevalence to be between 12% and 20% for adults 60 years of age or older.3,4 The estimate increases to approximately 26% in individuals 80 years of age or older.5 Only 70% to 80% of patients with PAD undergo recommended treatment.5 In many cases, PAD symptoms are mistaken for another disease, leaving an estimated 68% of cases of PAD undiagnosed.2 The estimated 10-year risk of death...