The PAD Pulse Alliance—a coalition of leading medical societies that includes the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) dedicated to improving vascular health—is urging patients, providers and policymakers to act through its Get a Pulse on PAD Campaign as national PAD Awareness Month kicks off.
“Peripheral arterial disease [PAD] is one of the most underrecognized yet devastating cardiovascular conditions in the U.S., too often diagnosed only after it has advanced and placed patients at risk for amputation, heart attack, or stroke,” said SVS President Keith Calligaro, MD. “The Society for Vascular Surgery is proud to participate in the PAD Pulse Alliance to raise awareness, expand early screening and referral for at-risk populations, and advocate for equitable care. By identifying PAD earlier, addressing risk factors, and connecting patients to life- and limb-saving treatments, we can prevent amputations and improve the lives of millions.”
Nearly 70% of those living with PAD do not know they have it, according to a survey by the PAD Pulse Alliance. Among Black and Hispanic adults, eight in 10 report never having a healthcare provider discuss PAD with them, despite being disproportionately affected. The PAD Pulse Alliance is encouraging legislative action.
“[PAD] is one of the most devastating but overlooked threats to cardiovascular health, particularly in Black and Brown communities where rates of amputation remain alarmingly high,” said Foluso Fakorede, MD, CEO of Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi and co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) PAD Initiative. “Too many lives are disrupted because PAD is not detected early enough, despite the fact that it is treatable and preventable. At ABC, our mission is to ensure that no patient is left behind due to systemic neglect or lack of awareness. By advancing screening, education, and equitable access to care, we can stop the cycle of unnecessary amputations and save both lives and limbs.”
The PAD Pulse Alliance is also encouraging patients, families and healthcare providers to download and share its free, interactive PAD Patient Toolkit at PADPulse.org.
