What is a person’s life expectancy with PAD disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a condition that occurs when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to a variety of symptoms–including pain, cramping, and numbness in the legs, feet, and toes.
PAD is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s health and quality of life. It is estimated that up to 12 million people in the United States have PAD, and the incidence of the disease is expected to increase as the population ages.
One of the most concerning aspects of PAD is its impact on life expectancy. While many people with PAD can lead active and fulfilling lives with proper management and treatment, the disease can increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and amputation.
Health practitioners will want to test for and diagnose any possible instances of PAD as soon as patients begin experiencing symptoms or are at higher risk for the condition. With proper testing through Vasolabs, practitioners can save lives and increase quality of life for the people with PAD.
What is the average life expectancy with PAD disease?
The average life expectancy for someone with PAD depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disease, the presence of other health conditions, and the effectiveness of treatment. However, research has shown that people with PAD are at higher risk of premature death than those without the disease.
Those who do not take preventative steps are more likely to have a reduced life expectancy from PAD disease. Those who do adjust their lifestyles to reflect heart-healthy changes, however, can live full, long lives. One study showed that one in five individuals with PAD suffered a severe cardiac event. Nearly 200,000 people with PAD disease will have to undergo a limb amputation due to complications.
Therefore, even if an individual does not have fatal complications or reduced life expectancy from PAD disease, they may suffer from secondary complications that reduce quality of life.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of PAD and improve outcomes for those living with the condition. One important step is to undergo preventative testing to identify the presence of the disease and assess its severity.
How to Test for PAD Disease
Preventative testing for PAD may include a variety of diagnostic tests–such as ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing, which measures the blood pressure in the arms and legs to identify any blockages or narrowing in the arteries. Other tests may include ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography (CT) scans.
How to Manage PAD Disease
By identifying PAD early and monitoring its progression, healthcare providers can develop individualized treatment plans to manage the disease and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes–such as quitting smoking, improving diet and exercise habits, and managing other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
In some cases, medication or surgical procedures may be recommended to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications. These may include medications to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots, or procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore blood flow to affected areas.
Partner with Vasolabs to Test Patients for PAD Disease
PAD is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s health and quality of life. While the average life expectancy for those with PAD can vary depending on a range of factors, preventative testing and early diagnosis are key to improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. By working with healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans, people living with PAD can manage the disease and lead active, fulfilling lives.
Vasolabs provides a key service in the PAD management lifecycle: testing. We offer high-quality testing services to small healthcare practitioners who would otherwise be unable to provide cardiovascular testing to their patients or clients. From direct primary care to functional medicine, we serve practices that are on the front lines of patient care and foster close relationships with their patients.
If you suspect any of your clients are at risk for PAD disease, get in contact with Vasolabs today.