Peripheral Arterial Disease

Walking is one of the most popular activities Canadians like to do. Unfortunately, if you get leg pain or leg cramps while walking which improves when you rest, it may be a sign of a condition called Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD.

Peripheral Arterial Disease occurs when the blood in your legs is not able to circulate properly due to fatty deposits that have been built along the walls of your arteries and causing them to become narrow. This can lead to the formation of blood clots which can block the arteries and cause pain.

SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN, IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE OR PAD.

As estimated 12% of Canadians, that's one in 8, have PAD. But many people have no symptoms. Those at greatest risk are people over the age of 70 and those aged 50 to 70 who smoke or have diabetes.

PAD is a warning sign of Heart Disease and here are some steps you can take now to improve your health, your symptoms and reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

• Stop Smoking
• Talk to your Doctor about Starting a Regular Exercise Program
• Control your Blood sugar if you have Diabetes
• Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
• If you are Prescribed Medication - Take as Prescribed

If you have any symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease, it's a good idea to ask your doctor to check the strength of the pulse in your feet or use other simple painless tests to measure circulation.

Again, what's most important is if you think something isn't right, speak with your doctor/physician.

All the Best and remember to Keep Fit & Have Fun

Hal Johnson & Joanne McLeod
Body Break