Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the blood flow to your legs is affected by fatty substances building up in your arteries. It can cause pain in your legs and can also lead to more serious problems with your legs and heart. PAD is treated by making changes to your lifestyle and medication. Some people will need a medical procedure or surgery too.
You might also hear peripheral artery disease called peripheral arterial disease or peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Some people living with HIV – particularly those who have a low CD4 count or a detectable viral load – are at higher risk of developing PAD. Growing older also increases the risk, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
We’ll be joined by Dr Merlisa Kemp and Faye Doris from Exeter University for some more information before and during the Positive Over 50 lunch, and to get your views on a potential study of medical imaging of people living with HIV to detect PAD earlier. There’ll be a small discussion group from 2pm, and there will be a £25 reimbursement for those taking part. You don’t have to be experiencing PAD, or even know about it, in order to take part.
Contact Jack.summerside@positiveeast.org.uk if you’d like to take part in the discussion group.
