ABC Joins PAD Pulse Alliance in National Call to Prevent PAD-Related Amputations

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a time to take action against a disease that affects more than 10 million Americans and is the largest cause of nontraumatic amputations in the United States. That’s why the PAD Pulse Alliance, a coalition of leading medical societies dedicated to improving vascular health, is urging patients, providers, and policymakers to act through its Get a Pulse on PAD Campaign.

PAD is a serious cardiovascular disease caused by blockages in the arteries of the legs. These blockages restrict blood flow, which can lead to cramping, pain while walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, the loss of a limb. PAD is also a warning sign of an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. While treatable, PAD often goes undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages.

Nearly 70 percent of those living with PAD do not know they have it, according to a survey by the PAD Pulse Alliance. Among Black and Hispanic adults, 8 in 10 report never having a healthcare provider discuss PAD with them, despite being disproportionately affected.

“Peripheral Artery Disease is one of the most devastating but overlooked threats to cardiovascular health, particularly in Black and Brown communities where rates of amputation remain alarmingly high. Too many lives are disrupted because PAD is not detected early enough, despite the fact that it is treatable and preventable,” said Foluso Fakorede, MD, CEO of Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi and co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) PAD Initiative. “At ABC, our mission is to ensure that no patient is left behind due to systemic neglect or lack of awareness. By advancing screening, education, and equitable access to care, we can stop the cycle of unnecessary amputations and save both lives and limbs.”