Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects one in 20 Americans over age 50 and raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. PAD develops when extra cholesterol and other fats circulating in the blood forms plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to limbs.

 “PAD is commonly seen in the legs, however, it can form in arteries in the arms, head, kidneys and stomach,” said Jose Borromeo, M.D., vascular surgeon with The Iowa Vascular Institute at Iowa Heart Center.

Risk factors of PAD include:

• People over the age of 50
• Smokers or former smokers
• Diabetics
• People with high blood pressure and/or cholesterol
• Personal history of vascular disease, heart attack or stroke

Signs and symptoms of PAD include:

• Pain in the legs and/or feet
• Sores or wounds on toes, feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all
• Color changes in the skin, including paleness or blueness
• Warm feeling in one leg
• Poor nail growth and decreased hair growth on toes and legs

Mercy is offering two free PAD lunch and learn sessions on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 11-11:45 a.m. and 12-12:45 p.m. Dr. Borromeo will be discussing what PAD is, who’s at risk of developing it and how it can be prevented, along with special guest Catherine Wittgen, M.D., a vascular surgeon at St. Louis University.