WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) and the Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society (OEIS) announced their participation in the Get a Pulse on PAD campaign. The CVC and OEIS will partner with the Association of Black Cardiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, and Society for Vascular Surgery to address the gap in awareness around peripheral artery disease (PAD). According to a new national survey, 70% of Americans are not familiar with PAD, despite the disease impacting one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50.

PAD is a common vascular disease in which leg arteries become narrowed, reducing or cutting off blood flow, contributing to 400 amputations performed each day in the United States.

This campaign comes at a time when 400 amputations happen every day due to PAD.

The top risk factors for PAD are common chronic health conditions that disproportionately impact underserved communities (diabetes, high blood pressure and use of tobacco products). Black people are twice as likely to suffer from PAD and up to four times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to white people. Hispanics present with more progressive PAD leading to worse outcomes including greater risk of amputation.

Yet, among Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 80% report never having a doctor or healthcare provider discuss PAD with them (PAD Pulse Consumer Survey) – underscoring the need to start the conversation.

Both CVC and OEIS are dedicated to empowering patients to learn about their risk and take action. The campaign is focused on education and starting a conversation and encouraging patients to ask their doctor “could my symptoms be PAD?”

“These new survey findings further underscore just how important it is to continue our work at the CVC to combat the amputation epidemic ravaging underserved communities,” said Interventional Cardiologist and Endovascular Specialist Jeffrey G. Carr, MD, a CVC board member and past president of OEIS. “Having a conversation with your doctor to understand more about your symptoms and your personal risk is key to preventing amputations and ultimately saving lives. The CVC will continue to raise awareness and make sure patients understand what symptoms to watch for.”

The Get a Pulse on PAD campaign aims to educate people on the risk factors and potential symptoms while encouraging patients to advocate for their health by kicking off the conversation with their doctor.

For more information, visit PADPulse.org.

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