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When blood flow is restricted, arteries in the leg narrow, depriving tissues of oxygen.

SENECA — As our family members get older, making sure we do everything in our power to keep them healthy and informed is of the utmost importance.

One of the more challenging diseases associated with the aging process is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a potentially life-threatening condition in which blood flow is restricted due to thickening of the arteries. Particularly common with those who experience high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, PAD can force amputation, mainly in the legs, and even death if left untreated. Because symptoms rarely show up until very late in the game, patients often develop severe ulcers on their feet and legs — also called Critical Limb Ischemia—prompting infections. Once progressed to this stage, no prescribed drugs or physical treatments will delay or prevent amputation.

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From CRL Surgical and Radiology Associates

Shiny and hairless skin combined with color changes in the nail are all signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in the patient's right foot.

In older adults (aged 50-75), PAD occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) gather in the artery walls. If caught early on, changing to a healthy diet and combining that with moderate exercise can stop the relatively fast progression of “clogs,” or atherosclerosis.

Signs and symptoms of PAD include:

— Painful cramping in your hip, thigh or calf muscles after walking or climbing stairs

— Leg numbness or weakness

— Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other leg

— Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal

— A change in the color of your legs

— Hair loss on your feet and legs

— Changes in your toenails

(www.MayoClinic.com)

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From A.D.A.M. Medical

Testing for P.A.D. is painless as your blood pressure is taken around the ankles. In people over 65 years old, 75 percent of patients do not show symptoms until very late.

“If you have leg pain, numbness or other symptoms, don't dismiss them as a ‘normal part of aging,’” said Dr. Arun Chervu of the Vascular Surgical Associates. “Early diagnosis is key for not only the health of your legs, but for your heart and brain as well,” he said.

Heart disease and strokes many times can be traced back to atherosclerosis and PAD.

Not sure how to go about finding out if PAD may be affecting you? Be prepared for a few simple pain free tests when you visit your doctor next.

“It could save you a lot of suffering down the road,” Chervu said.

Perhaps the most common test performed for the detection of PAD is the ankle-brachial index (ABI). It compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm, showing decreased blood flow immediately.

Other tests include ultrasounds, blood tests and angiograms. Consistent with all angiograms, a contrast material is injected into your blood vessels and allows your doctor to view blood flow through your arteries as it happens, showing narrowing or blockages.

If diagnosed with PAD, numerous medications can be utilized to control pain and progression from blood pressure medications to those that control blood sugar, blood clots and cholesterol.

Is early detection no longer an option?

If the PAD has persisted and caused you to develop soars and ulcers on your legs and feet, a new clinical research study is being done to develop medication to avoid amputation. The closest study is being led by Chervu in Marietta, Ga.

“Amputation is always the last option,” he said. “We are hoping the treatments will promote new blood vessel growth and help the thousands of people that suffer from this each day.”

For more information on PAD, contact your local physician or visit www.tamarisstudy.com for questions about the study.