P.A.D. Is Often a "Silent" Condition
Most people with P.A.D. experience no symptoms at all, which is why it is called a "silent" condition. For those who have been diagnosed with P.A.D., by the time they actually feel pain or heaviness in their legs due to poor leg circulation, the buildup of plaque may have narrowed the arteries by 60% or more.
And if you have a buildup of plaque in your legs, you may also have it in the arteries to your heart and brain as well. This plaque may be unstable and can rupture, which can then lead to the formation of clots—the leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
Know the symptoms*
P.A.D. is marked by recognizable symptoms that often occur when you exercise—pain, cramps, heaviness or tiredness in your calves, thighs, or buttocks. Even just walking a short distance can aggravate these symptoms. The discomfort eases when you rest.
In addition to the discomfort, symptoms of poor leg circulation in the arteries of the leg can also include a reddish-blue color of the leg when sitting, paleness when the leg is elevated, or little or no pulse in the leg or foot.
If you have any of these symptoms, don't dismiss them as simply a natural part of growing older. You may not have symptoms, but you still have the risks of heart attack or stroke associated with P.A.D. and it’s important that you address them now to protect your health. Start by talking to your doctor as soon as possible about P.A.D. and what you can do to have a healthier future.
*PLAVIX is not indicated for the treatment of symptoms of P.A.D. PLAVIX helps keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots, the cause of most heart attacks and strokes.
Know your risk factors
Because many people with P.A.D. have no symptoms, it's important to know and identify the risk factors for P.A.D. If you have any ONE of the following risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting tested for P.A.D.
- You're over 50 and have one or more of the following:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoke or used to smoke
- A history of heart attack or stroke
- You're over 70
Know that treatment can help
If you have poor leg circulation and are diagnosed with P.A.D., your doctor will likely discuss your treatment options. It’s good to know that there are medicines that can help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
One of these medicines is PLAVIX. For more than 13 years, doctors have written PLAVIX prescriptions to over 115 million people. To find out more about PLAVIX, click under "Talking with your doctor." If you have poor leg circulation and are diagnosed with P.A.D., ask your doctor if PLAVIX might be the right choice for you.
* IMS Health, NPA Plus™, TRxs. February 2010.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Certain genetic factors and some medicines such as Prilosec reduce the effect of PLAVIX leaving you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Don’t stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor as your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase. People with stomach ulcers or conditions that cause bleeding should not use PLAVIX. Taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines, including aspirin, may increase bleeding risk which can potentially be life-threatening. So tell your doctor when planning surgery. Tell your doctor all medicines you take, including aspirin, especially if you’ve had a stroke. If fever, unexplained weakness or confusion develops, tell your doctor promptly. These may be signs of TTP, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, reported sometimes less than 2 weeks after starting PLAVIX.
Click here for US Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNING
and Medication Guide
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
What to do next:
Why You Should Get a P.A.D. Test