Asymptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease Increasing
November 6th, 2007 Posted by: Dr. Cox
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — More Americans are developing asymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) â a condition that increases the risk of dying from heart disease and stroke.
PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up in the inner linings of artery walls. This restricts blood flow and the oxygen the body needs.
Researchers from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania believe the increase in asymptomatic PAD may be associated with a rise in the prevalence of other common risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as diabetes, smoking, obesity, and hypertension.
The study looked at the prevalence of those risk factors in 5,376 participants age 40 and older who had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. It found PAD increased dramatically from 3.7 percent in a 1999-2000 survey to 4.2 percent in a 2001-02 survey and 4.6 percent in a 2003-04 survey. And over the time of the three surveys there was also a rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking.
Results show the prevalence of PAD was highest among those ages 70 and older. But there was an increase in adults ages 40 to 69 as well.
The authors caution people to be aware they could have PAD but not have symptoms and to discuss the risk factors and a possible screening with their doctors. They also say doctors need to look for PAD in asymptomatic patients and address the risk factors associated with the increase more aggressively.
The prevalence of PAD is expected to rise as the population ages and more people have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
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SOURCE: American Heart Associationâs Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida, November 4-7, 2007