Sacred Heart Hospital will be holding free screenings for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Airport Medical Park, located at 1549 Airport Blvd.

PAD occurs when excess cholesterol or plaque builds up in the veins in your legs, making it harder for your heart to pump and circulate blood to the legs. If left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation, heart attack, stroke, and even death. Symptoms of PAD include cold feet or legs, numbness and tingling, leg pain that stops when you rest, and/or ulcers or sores that won't heal.

If you can answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, you qualify for a free peripheral arterial disease screening.
. Are you a diabetic?
. Are you over the age of 65?
. Are you over the age of 50 and a smoker
. Do you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)?

The PAD screening involves measuring the blood pressure in both the arm and at the ankle and then comparing the two measurements. Attendees are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing and to refrain from wearing hose or knee-highs, as this can interfere with the readings.

Screenings are limited to the first 100 qualified persons to register. To reserve your space or for more information, please Call Sacred Heart at (850) 416-1600.

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