Q.: I am 78, live at home and am doing well except for one thing. After I walk the dog, my legs - not the knees - have begun to ache. What's up with that? The dog is getting shorter walks, and I'm falling behind on vacuuming.
A.: Among the possibilities might be peripheral artery disease (PAD). Awareness of PAD is low among those at greatest risk for developing the condition, the American Heart Association said.
Only 26 percent of 50-and-older adults are familiar with PAD, or know that the disease becomes more common with age.
PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most common in the arteries of the pelvis and legs.
It happens when fatty deposits build up in arteries outside the heart, usually those supplying fresh oxygen and blood to the arms, legs and feet.
The most common PAD symptoms are cramping, pain or tiredness in leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs.
Typically, the pain goes away with rest and returns when walking resumes.
Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else. It often goes undiagnosed by healthcare professionals, although it affects about 8 million people.
"People with PAD have an increased risk for heart attack and stroke," said Dr. Tracy Stevens, American Heart Association spokeswoman and professor of medicine with St. Luke Cardiovascular Consultants in Kansas City, Mo. "The American Heart Association encourages people at risk to discuss PAD with their healthcare provider to ensure early diagnosis and treatment."
Certain PAD risk factors can't be avoided, including aging, personal or family history of PAD, cardiovascular disease or stroke. But the following risk factors can be controlled:
Cigarette smoking - Smokers may have four times the risk of PAD than nonsmokers.
Obesity - People with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors.
High blood cholesterol - High cholesterol contributes to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can significantly reduce the blood's flow.
See your doctor to find out if you're at risk for PAD.
In the meantime, if you need help at home, why not consider a professional caregiving service.
A CAREGiver from the local Home Instead Senior Care office can assist with vacuuming, walking the dog and other tasks. CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured.
For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, contact Joe DeLauter at 866-522-6533or go to www.homeinstead.com.
DeLauter is the owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Lewisburg, which serves Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Lycoming, Clinton, Montour and Columbia counties.