By Megan Miller, Editor
TRUSSVILLE – The Alabama Cardiovascular Group will be offering screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) through the month of September.
The screening, Ankle-Brachia Index Test (ABI), measures blood pressure in the ankle and the arm.
Screenings are available in Trussville, Springville, Trace Crossing in Hoover, Lee Branch and the Grandview Medical Center campus.
One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD , where plaque builds up on the inside walls of the arteries that carry blood from the heart and to the legs and feet. The arteries harden and narrow, and blood flow to the legs and feet is substantially reduced.
Risks that increase the chance you’ve developed PAD include age, smoking, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Symptoms you may have PAD include experiencing tiredness, heaviness or cramping in the leg muscles; toes or feet that look pale, discolored or blue; experiencing leg or foot pain that disturbs the sleep cycle; having sores or wounds on toes, feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all; having a leg or foot that feels colder than the other; or having thick, yellow toenails that aren’t growing.
Appointments are required for screening. For available times and dates call 205-971-7474.