St. Luke's to offer free peripheral arterial disease screenings

St. Luke’s Hospital at The Vintage will conduct free screenings for peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) the week of Monday, Sept. 19.

P.A.D. is a common and dangerous vascular disease that can lead to heart attack, stroke, amputation and death. P.A.D. occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs. This can result in leg muscle pain when walking, disability, amputation and poor quality of life.  

Blocked arteries found in people with P.A.D. can be a red flag that other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may also be blocked, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

“P.A.D. is a devastating disease that is often undiagnosed,” said Philip Binkley, director of Perioperative and Cardiovascular Services. “St. Luke’s Hospital at The Vintage is working to increase awareness of P.A.D. and improve our community’s vascular health.”

Everyone over the age 50 is at risk for P.A.D. Risk increases if a person smokes, or use to smoke, has diabetes, has high blood pressure, has abnormal blood cholesterol, is African-American or has a personal history of coronary heart disease or stroke.

The screening test for P.A.D. is called the “ankle-brachial index,” a painless, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankles with the blood pressure in the arms.   

To schedule an appointment, call 832-534-5160.

The screenings are in conjunction with P.A.D. Awareness Month.