Patient Daily: American Heart Association praises CMS for approving therapy for peripheral artery disease
June 4, 2017
The American Heart Association’s CEO Nancy Brown praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the final decision allowing Medicare patients to receive supervised exercise therapy (SET) for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). “We are so pleased that patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) will now be able to receive supervised exercise therapy… more
Healio: Quality of life, function poorer for women with PAD
May 31, 2017
Women with peripheral artery disease had lower health status, including function and quality of life, compared with men, according to a study in Vascular Medicine. To determine the health status differences between men and women with new or worsening claudication, researchers conducted the PORTRAIT study, a multicenter, international prospective study, with 1,274 patients. The group… more
Cardiology Advisor: Reducing Amputation Risk in Diabetes With Peripheral Artery Disease
May 26, 2017
Findings reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism linked statin therapy with reduced risk for lower limb amputation, in-hospital cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD).1 Associated with an increased prevalence of PAD — a marker of systemic atherosclerosis2 — diabetes is also linked with an… more
Patient Daily: Calf stretching may benefit peripheral artery disease patients
May 24, 2017
The American Heart Association (AHA) shared the results of a preliminary abstract on calf stretching and leg pain in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients that was presented at the AHA Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology | Peripheral Vascular Disease 2017 Scientific Sessions recently. The study, which was conducted with six women and seven men with… more
MedPage Today: Fruits, Vegetables in Diet May Lower Risk of PAD
May 18, 2017
Eating three or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day may lower the risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), reported researchers. According to a cross-sectional study of more than 3.7 million people, those who reported daily intake of at least three servings of fruits and vegetables had significantly lower risk of PAD (adjusted… more
Morning Consult: Stand Together Against Limb Loss
April 27, 2017
Progress is not a myth. Over the past few decades — and even just the past few years — our nation’s health care system has evolved. More people than ever have access to health care and better treatments. However, one major problem continues to boil under the surface and hinder health outcomes: racial inequity. There… more
Standing TALL Seeks to Address Striking Limb Loss Disparities in the United States
April 26, 2017
Disproportionate amputation rates among minority groups is impetus for nationwide effort to improve policies to support limb loss preservation WASHINGTON, D.C. — There is a new national awareness campaign to overcome limb loss disparities in the United States. The effort, Standing Together Against Limb Loss (Standing TALL) will advocate for expanded access to interventional care to… more
Healio: Hospital lower-extremity amputation volume linked to major amputation, mortality in patients with CLI
April 19, 2017
Among patients with critical limb ischemia, those in hospitals with a high volume of amputation procedures had elevated rates of major amputation and mortality, but those in hospitals with a high volume of revascularization procedures had better outcomes, according to new findings. “We believe that unless it is otherwise contraindicated, these data support consideration for… more
WQAD 8: A better leg stent for clogged arteries
April 14, 2017
One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 experiences peripheral artery disease, clogged arteries, usually in the legs, which can cause extreme pain and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Now, with a new approach to leg stents, some patients not only walk again, they can run. 73-year old Ellen Bergami… more
News Medical: Peripheral arteries may be useful for assessing heart disease risk, study finds
April 13, 2017
Atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries, has long been seen as a strong indicator of coronary artery disease, as compared to the traditional risk factors of race, age, gender and metabolic profile. Unlike other diseases that affect many people, atherosclerosis currently has no simple way to diagnose or monitor response to treatment. Now,… more
Healio: Statin use reduces risk for lower-limb amputation in type 2 diabetes, PAD
April 12, 2017
In adults with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease, statin use was associated with a 25% lower rate of lower-extremity amputations and a 22% risk reduction in cardiovascular mortality when compared with no statin use, according to findings from a population-based study. “Although there is evidence supporting its beneficial effects on functional reserve and… more
Bel Marra Health: Peripheral artery disease (PAD): An ambulatory risk to millions
March 28, 2017
Every morning when we get out of bed, we walk to the bathroom, walk to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and breakfast, and eventually, we walk out the door to start our day. The ability to walk one place to another is an integral part of everyone’s day, yet approximately 8.5 million Americans—20… more
U.S. News Health: Leg Pain When Walking: Talk to Your Doctor
March 24, 2017
Millions of Americans have a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused by hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet. About 8.5 million Americans have PAD, including up to 20 percent of people over age 60, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lack of blood flow… more
News-Medical: Penn State researchers receive NIH grant to improve lives of people with peripheral arterial disease
March 16, 2017
A $9.7 million National Institutes of Health project grant to Penn State College of Medicine aims to improve the lives of millions of people living with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A multidisciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Lawrence Sinoway, director of Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, will study blood pressure increases in patients… more
Healio: Technological Advances Changing Treatment of PAD, CLI
March 15, 2017
There is renewed interest from industry, payers and all specialists in advancing the care of patients with peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia. The current state and future of endovascular therapies for PAD are rapidly advancing and multidisciplinary collaboration is key for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of CLI. A Decade of Advances Significant… more
WNDU: Drug-coated stents help treat peripheral artery disease
March 14, 2017
One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 experiences peripheral artery disease, or clogged arteries, and it’s usually in the legs. That can cause extreme pain and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Now, with a new approach to leg stents, some patients not only walk again, they can even run. Seventy-three-year-old Ellen… more
Medscape: Retinopathy Signals Future PAD, Critical Limb Ischemia Risk
March 14, 2017
Having retinopathy predicted an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), especially the severe form of the disease, critical limb ischemia, in a new study[1]. Specifically, participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who had retinopathy had a 2.26-fold higher risk of developing PAD and a 3.41-fold higher risk of developing critical limb ischemia… more
Medscape: Dark View Taken of Critical Limb Ischemia CMS Readmission Goals
March 9, 2017
A new registry-based study suggests nearly one in every four patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) has an unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days, with that number climbing to almost one in every two patients by 6 months[1]. Several independent predictors of future readmission were identified, including greater length of stay (LOS) during index admission… more
Healio: Increased awareness of CLI necessary
March 8, 2017
Increased awareness of peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia is essential to ensuring better management of the disease, according to a speaker at the International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy. “In the United States right now, undiagnosed and poorly managed PAD, as well as a lack of recognition and aggressive treatment of its risk factors… more
KSWO: MedWatch – Peripheral Arterial Disease
March 2, 2017
Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is blockage of the arteries to the legs, arms, and head. It can be deadly, and doctors say 1 in 5 people will develop it. PAD is similar to coronary artery disease and is most commonly found in the legs. Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else. “The… more
Times Free Press: Ask a Doctor: What is peripheral artery disease?
February 21, 2017
Q: What is peripheral artery disease? A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a process where plaque — fatty deposits — builds up in the arteries carrying blood to the body. In most cases, the disease affects arteries in a person’s legs. However, it can also affect the arteries carrying blood to your heart, brain, arms, kidneys… more
Argus Leader: Leg pain that goes away with rest could be peripheral arterial disease
February 20, 2017
Mr. D, a diabetic patient of mine, came into the clinic with exercise-induced leg pain which would go away if he stopped a minute, but lately it’s been coming on while walking less than a block. He said, “Now the pain is meaner and lasts longer after I stop.” The diagnosis of Mr. D’s condition… more
Knowridge Science Report: Are you at risk for peripheral artery disease?
February 12, 2017
Marked by decreased blood flow in the legs due to narrowing — or even complete blockage — of arteries, peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 8 million people in the United States. Such blockage is caused by a buildup of plaque and fatty deposits, which puts patients (even asymptomatic ones) at a heightened risk… more
In Recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Vascular Care Leaders Urge Native Americans to Understand Risks for PAD and Limb Amputations
November 30, 2016
Data show Native Americans twice as likely to receive amputation than Caucasian counterparts WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC), a leading group of community-based cardiovascular and endovascular care providers, physicians, and manufacturers created to advance community-based solutions designed to improve awareness, prevention, and intervention of vascular disease, is calling attention to the racial disparities in… more
Morning Consult: Stopping Limb Loss Starts with Understanding Diabetes and PAD
November 21, 2016
Often referred to as the “silent killer,” diabetes is a disease that is notorious for surprising its victims. With very few noticeable symptoms at first, it can unknowingly build and build into a devastating crescendo of life-threatening problems that become anything but silent. According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 30 million Americans are living with… more
Understand the Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) During American Diabetes Month
November 14, 2016
Americans living with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing PAD, which disproportionately affects minority and underserved communities WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC), a leading group of community-based cardiovascular and endovascular care providers, physicians, and manufacturers created to advance community-based solutions designed to improve awareness, prevention, and intervention of vascular disease, is highlighting… more
Midland Daily News: September Is PAD Awareness Month
September 25, 2016
Aching, cramping, burning in the legs, calves, toes and feet or the presence of non-healing wounds – these are the symptoms of inadequate blood circulation otherwise known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). September is PAD Awareness Month. Raising awareness is vital because PAD is a common condition that affects upwards of 10 million Americans and… more
Senior Selections: September is Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month
September 23, 2016
September is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month. PAD — commonly referred to as ‘poor circulation’ — is when fatty deposits in the arteries outside the heart (often in the legs) cause blockage or narrowing, resulting in reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. An estimated 8 million people in the U.S. are affected… more
The Hill: It’s time for Americans to understand Peripheral Artery Disease
September 8, 2016
September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a time designated to raise awareness of health problems caused by PAD. In a way, the term “Peripheral Artery Disease” is an unfortunate misnomer – this disease impacts so much more than the periphery of a patient’s life. Peripheral artery disease causes narrowing or blockage of the… more
Morning Consult: Curb Limb Loss in America
September 8, 2016
For the millions of Americans living with or caring for someone suffering from a chronic illness, the concept of loss is a familiar, yet unfortunate companion. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes can strip away mobility, independence, productivity and quality of life. Even when properly diagnosed and well managed, these serious health conditions often… more
The Charleston Chronicle: CardioVascular Coalition Urges Increased Awareness of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) this September
September 3, 2016
The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC), a leading group of community-based cardiovascular and endovascular care providers, physicians, and manufacturers created to advance community-based solutions designed to improve awareness, prevention, and intervention of vascular disease, is urging healthcare leaders, policymakers, patient advocates and other stakeholders to join them in recognizing September as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month,… more
Vascular News: CardioVascular Coalition urges increased awareness of peripheral artery disease in September
September 1, 2016
The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC)—a group of community-based cardiovascular and endovascular care providers, physicians, and manufacturers created to advance community-based solutions designed to improve awareness, prevention, and intervention of vascular disease—is urging healthcare leaders, policymakers, patient advocates and other stakeholders to join them in recognising September as “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month”, a time designated… more
CardioVascular Coalition Urges Increased Awareness of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) this September
September 1, 2016
Vascular Care leaders stress importance of PAD education and intervention to reduce limb loss in America during PAD Awareness Month WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC), a leading group of community-based cardiovascular and endovascular care providers, physicians, and manufacturers created to advance community-based solutions designed to improve awareness, prevention, and intervention of vascular disease, is… more
Letter to CMS Regarding Supplemental CMS Episode Groups Posting
August 25, 2016
Dear Acting Administrator Slavitt: The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) is pleased to offer its comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) request for comments on the Supplemental CMS Episode Groups Posting. The CVC was established to provide policymakers and the public with a greater understanding of the value that freestanding cardiovascular centers (CVCs)… more
New Report Concludes Endovascular Procedures Performed in Office-Based Facilities Result in Positive Patient Outcomes
July 12, 2016
Authors examine opportunities for optimizing patient safety and outcomes through office-based peripheral vascular intervention WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a leading group of community-based endovascular care providers, physicians, and manufacturers created to advance community-based solutions designed to improve awareness, prevention, and intervention of vascular disease – today said a new report published in… more
Treatment outcomes and lessons learned from 5134 cases of outpatient office-based endovascular procedures in a vascular surgical practice
July 4, 2016
Introduction: The office-based endovascular facility has increased in number recently due in part to expedient patient experience. This study analyzed treatment outcomes of procedures performed in our office-based endovascular suite. Methods: Treatment outcomes of 5134 consecutive procedures performed in our office-based endovascular suites from 2006 to 2013 were analyzed. Five sequential groups (group I–V) of… more
Endovascular Care Leaders Stress Value of Outpatient Care Settings in Treating Growing Patient Population in the U.S.
June 15, 2016
Office-based care settings provide advantages for care delivery including improved efficiencies, increased patient satisfaction and health care savings WASHINGTON – In an article recently published in Endovascular Today, “Outpatient CLI Revascularization in the United States” a group of leading endovascular physicians and care providers outline the increasingly important role outpatient care settings have in… more
Endovascular Today: Outpatient CLI Revascularization in the United States
May 30, 2016
This year in the United States, approximately 160,000 to 180,000 of the estimated 18 million Americans with peripheral artery disease (PAD) will undergo amputation of a limb as a result of PAD-related complications. An unacceptable amputation rate of > 30% without any vascular evaluation persists, despite the education and attention given to critical limb ischemia… more