Is PAD a serious condition?

Is PAD a serious condition?

PAD is a serious condition that should be diagnosed promptly so doctors can reduce your risk as quickly as possible. PAD may be your first warning sign of a serious health problem. Atherosclerosis—or clogging—in the peripheral arteries is dangerous.

Can you live a long life with PAD?

You can still have a full, active lifestyle with peripheral artery disease, or PAD. The condition happens when plaque builds up in your arteries. This makes it harder for your arms, legs, head, and organs to get enough blood. Although it’s serious and can sometimes be painful, there are lots of ways to slow it down.

Is PAD considered heart disease?

If you have PAD, you are at risk for developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. The image on the left shows a normal artery.

Does PAD get worse over time?

The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time. If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment.

What are the stages of PAD?

Classification Schemes

Stage 0	Asymptomatic
Stage 1	Mild claudication
Stage 2	Moderate claudication
Stage 3	Severe claudication
Stage 4	Rest pain

Is PAD a death sentence?

Prevention is important because PAD can cause widespread damage, limit activity, and sometimes lead to death. PAD can be a catchall term for problems in arteries that supply organs and tissues other than the heart.

What is life expectancy with peripheral artery disease?

Only half of all patients remained alive at the end of follow-up. The crude five-year death rate among patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease was 33.2% – a rate of 82.4 deaths per 1,000 patient years (Figure 1).

What can be mistaken for PAD?

Connective tissue disorders: The most well-recognized connective tissue disorders associated with lower extremity vascular complications that may mimic peripheral arterial disease are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (EDS IV), Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS).

Does PAD show in blood test?

While no blood tests are needed to diagnose PAD, your doctor may still check for the following: high blood sugar and cholesterol, both risk factors for PAD to be monitored and managed.

Can I get disability benefits for peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

Can I Get Disability Benefits for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? When peripheral arterial disease causes pain after walking and low blood pressure in the ankle or toe, you can be automatically approved for Social Security disability benefits.

Does pad qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

Social Security sometimes approves disability benefits for applicants whose use of their legs is limited due to PAD.

Is it necessary to have treatment for pad?

Treatment is necessary for your health. Is PAD a disability? SSA’s Listing of Impairments discusses PAD under Listing 4.11 Chronic venous insufficiency or 4.12 Peripheral Arterial Disease. In order to meet 4.11, you need to have extensive brawny edema or ulceration that has not healed after three months of treatment.

What are the specific requirements for pad?

The specific requirements for PAD can be found in Section 4.0, Cardiovascular – Adult. You have to provide proof that you have been positively diagnosed with the disease by a doctor. There needs to be ongoing documentation of the diagnosis and your treatment plan for the disease.