 Hello, I'm Tina Mason and I'm the Program Coordinator for Mid-Michigan Health's PAD program. This specialized program is dedicated to the advanced management and treatment of peripheral artery disease, also referred to as PAD. In addition to increasing the overall understanding of the disease and its risk factors, the program is designed to provide the best treatment options for patients with severe forms of PAD. Veteran patients also benefit from the expertise of an experienced team of multidisciplinary specialists. These include interventional cardiologists, a vascular surgeon, and an interventional radiologist. PAD is a life-threatening condition that occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed. Fatty buildup called plaque clings to the artery walls, restricting blood flow, and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Symptoms that may increase an individual's risk for PAD include smoking, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, and or high blood pressure, and a family history of heart or vascular disease. Those who are over the age of 50 or who are overweight and inactive are also at greater risk. While many people do not experience PAD symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else, symptoms may include. Leg muscle tiredness, heaviness, or cramping. Toes or feet that look pale, discolored, or blue. Leg or foot pain that disturbs sleep. Sores or wounds on toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all. One leg or foot that feels colder than the other. Thick or yellow toenails that aren't growing. Shiny skin or loss of hair on the legs. Weak or no pulse in the legs or feet. Individuals experiencing any of the symptoms I just mentioned or those who have two or more risk factors are encouraged to talk with their doctor about being screened for PAD. For additional information or questions about Mid-Michigan's PAD program, please visit our website at www.midmichigan.org.