Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

(HealthScoutNews) -- More than 10 million Americans have the potentially deadly peripheral vascular disease known as PVD, but few are aware of it.

A nationwide campaign called Legs for Life is trying to change that by educating Americans about prevention, detection and treatment of PVD. Part of that effort includes a free, national screening week today through Sept. 28 to identify people at risk for PVD.

The Legs for Life National PVD Screening Week will be held at more than 300 hospitals across the United States. Vascular specialists will donate their time to the screening program.

You can find the nearest screening site by going to Legs for Life. If there isn't a screening site near you, you can call toll-free 877-357-2847 to request a free brochure about PVD.

One out of four people screened last year for PVD was found to be at risk.

PVD is caused by blocked blood flow to the arteries of the legs. It's common in people over age 50 and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and aneurysms.

Symptoms aren't always present, but PVD can cause pain or swelling, difficulty walking, numbness and skin discoloration. A simple, non-invasive blood pressure test is used to determine if a person is at risk for PVD.

"Early detection of PVD is essential. If the arteries in your legs are clogged, other arteries are likely clogged, too," says Dr. Peter T. Beatty, national chairman of Legs for Life.

"Diabetics, smokers and people with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels are at increased risk," Beatty says.

More information

Read more about PVD diagnosis and treatments.

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