More than 8 million people in the United States have Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.,
also known as poor circulation in the legs). It’s a condition in which the
arteries in the legs become narrow from plaque, which may restrict the flow of blood.
Having poor blood circulation in the legs means that you may also have it in your
heart and brain as well. This can put you at an increased risk for
heart attack or stroke.
Plaque—made up of cholesterol and other materials-builds up on the walls of arteries.
This process, known as atherosclerosis, restricts the flow of blood. Plaque may
be unstable, and as blood flows through the narrowed artery, it can rupture. A rupture
may lead to formation of clots, the main cause of most heart attacks and strokes.
Learn more on the pages Am I at Risk for P.A.D.?
and How PLAVIX Works.
P.A.D. could be a sign of real danger
If you have a buildup of plaque in your leg (peripheral) arteries, you are likely
to have plaque buildup in other arteries-such as those leading to the heart or the
brain. If the plaque ruptures and a clot forms in an artery supplying blood to the
heart, heart-related chest pain or a heart attack can occur. If a clot forms in
an artery leading to the brain, a stroke can occur.
PLAVIX helps keep platelets from sticking together and forming clots, which keeps
your blood flowing. This helps protect you from a heart attack or stroke.
If you have P.A.D., ask about PLAVIX
If you have been diagnosed with P.A.D., you should ask your doctor how PLAVIX can
help. PLAVIX is prescribed to help lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients
with P.A.D. See How PLAVIX Works.
Learn about How PLAVIX Is Different.
If you are over 70, or if you are over 50 and have other cardiovascular risk factors
(high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or you smoke or used to smoke),
you should talk to your doctor about getting tested for P.A.D.
What to do next: I have already
been diagnosed with P.A.D. Am I at risk for P.A.D.?
