Do your legs hurt when you walk or exercise?  If so, you may have peripheral arterial disease, which affects an estimated eight to 10 million people in the United States, according to the Society of Interventional Radiology.

PAD symptoms may include cold feet or legs, no leg pain when you rest, and ulcers or sores that won’t heal.  Early detection of this disease may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

September is National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month, so St. Mary’s Hospital, in conjunction with Legs for Life®, is offering free screenings for PAD, stroke and cholesterol.  Screenings will be held Sept. 11 and 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. to noon.  You can make your appointment by calling St. Mary’s Hospital’s Health Connections at (301) 475-6019. 

Legs For Life® is a national screening program dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of the community.  For more information, visit www.legsforlife.org.
Get Tested for PAD if You:

• Are over age 50
• Have a family history of vascular disease, such as PAD, aneurysm, heart attack or stroke
  
• Have high cholesterol and/or high lipid blood test
  
• Have diabetes
  
• Have ever smoked or smoke now
  
• Have an inactive lifestyle
  
• Have a personal history of high blood pressure, heart disease or other vascular disease
  
• Have trouble walking that involves cramping or tiredness in the muscle with walking or exercising, which is relieved by resting
  
• Have pain in the legs or feet that awaken you at night
  

Source: Society of Interventional Radiology