Approximately 20% of the UK population aged 55 to 75 years have evidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD affects quality of life and life expectancy if not appropriately diagnosed and managed. People who smoke are more likely to have it. Those with type 2 diabetes are also at higher risk. Heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are other risk factors. In the most severe cases, and if left untreated for too long, PAD can result in amputation of the leg or feet but addressing the risk factors early can mean people can live a long and healthy lifestyle.

PAD symptoms include burning, aching, cramping, numbness, fatigue or discomfort in leg or hip muscles while walking (known as intermittent claudication). Pain usually goes away with rest and returns when you’re active again. Even those who know about PAD, don’t always recognise the symptoms as it is not widely discussed and so many go for years suffering in silence.

The Vascular Nursing Team want to work with our patients at UHCW and St Cross Hospital to develop awareness of this condition. The impact that this condition has on patients is significant with many finding they cannot carry out activities such as playing football with their grandchildren, playing their usual sports such as golf and football and many struggle to continue working.

When your muscles cramp in your legs every time you walk because of PAD, exercising will be the last thing on your mind……But exercise is actually the best thing for you and by walking and bringing on the leg pain, your body can grow collateral vessels so you grow your own bypass without any risks of surgery! So many of our patients find an improvement to their symptoms by knowing this information and pushing through the pain.

To make others aware of the disease and to make sure people don’t suffer in silence and know there is something that can be done, our patients and us are undertaking our second sponsored walk of the year around Draycote Water on the 21st September at 1pm. Come along and support us and join our mission ☺️