Saving Lives by Reducing Unnecessary Amputations Caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This #PADAwarenessMonth I want to call attention to a silent epidemic. If you are not yet aware, more than 20 million people in the United States and 200 million people worldwide have Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), yet only 10% are diagnosed.[1][2] PAD is a condition where the arteries in your legs narrow, reducing blow flow. This serious condition can significantly affect the quality of life for people who live with the disease because they often experience extreme pain in their lower legs while walking or climbing stairs, and have open wounds that don’t heal since their limbs aren’t receiving enough oxygen.

One important aspect of PAD below-the-knee (BTK) is that if left untreated, it often leads to amputations. In fact, more people with PAD are sent for amputation rather than given the choice of other treatment options. This makes PAD the leading cause of non-trauma related amputations when the disease is not diagnosed and treated early. And PAD has a lower survival rate than breast, colorectal, and prostrate cancer combined.[3]

Sadly, I have first-hand experience with this situation. My aunt Dorothy was the pillar of my family. She was diagnosed with both diabetes and PAD. She would often complain about how sore her legs were and just accepted it as part of getting older. Unfortunately, she underwent an amputation and passed away a year and a half later due to complications from the surgery. As her niece, I watched my aunt, a strong, beautiful woman, become a shell of herself. This was a defining moment in my life.

I am so proud of the work my team is doing to raise awareness about this deadly disease. Abbott has created tools that streamline the diagnosis and referral process, helping ensure PAD patients receive the prompt care they need. For example, our CLEAR program is designed to enhance collaboration between referring healthcare professionals and vascular specialists, potentially preventing the progression of PAD, improving patient outcomes, and educating doctors to reduce the number of amputations. Abbott has also created a website for people to learn more about PAD, whether they already know they have the disease or have symptoms and want to learn more. It is also a great resource for friends and family to learn about PAD to help their loved ones receive early diagnosis and treatment.

Four hundred people get amputations every day in the U.S. for PAD related complications.[4] I think this number should be zero. Please join me by spreading the word about PAD and amputations through education and awareness. The top three risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and tobacco.

As part of Abbott's continued commitment to helping all people live healthier lives, we are dedicated to educating others and raising awareness about the impact of PAD. Consumers can find more information at www.PAD-info.com and physicians can find more information at www.CLEAR.abbott.

?

[1] Fowkes, F.G., et al., Comparison of global estimates of prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2000 and 2010: a systematic review and analysis. Lancet, 2013. 382(9901): p. 1329-40–––.

[2] Nehler, M.R., et al., Epidemiology of peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischemia in an insured national population. J Vasc Surg, 2014. 60(3): p. 686-95 e2.

[3] Li J, Varcoe R, Manzi M, Kum S, Iida O, Schmidt A, Shishehbor MH. Below-the-Knee Endovascular Revascularization: A Position Statement. JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. 2024; ISSN 1936-8798

[4] PAD Pulse Alliance, New Data: 70% of Americans Unaware of Common Vascular Disease that is one of the Leading Causes of Amputation, February 8, 2024.