Local NJ Doctor Raises PAD Awareness

(PASSAIC, NJ – September 21, 2021) September is Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month. A local New Jersey cardiologist and vascular specialist, Dr. Anuj R. Shah MD, of Apex Heart and Vascular, is raising awareness about PAD and diabetic amputation.

“I want to end the suffering from the consequence of complications from diabetes,” said Dr. Shah.

Screening for Amputation Prevention Awareness

As a cornerstone of amputation prevention awareness, Dr. Shah recommends screening for leg circulation.

“Vascular screenings are a simple way to prevent issues from PAD that could put you at risk for limb amputation,” said Dr. Shah.

“Newark, New Jersey is considered one of the densest areas with an incredibly high rate of diabetic prevalence. In addition to screening for PAD, diabetic foot care is critical. We create personalized strategies for patients to reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and amputations.”

Dr. Shah recommends a multidisciplinary approach for diabetic patients with foot ulcers or high-risk diabetic feet.

Peripheral Artery Disease Amputation Rates continue to increase in New Jersey

According to the Amputee Coalition, 4,451 amputations were performed in New Jersey hospitals in 2014 for a variety of reasons, including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease complications.

Diabetes Increases Peripheral Artery Disease Risk: Preventing Amputations

PAD is a dangerous condition that can lead to serious complications, including amputation, if left untreated.

Dr. Shah hopes increased awareness for PAD will result in a reduction in lower extremity amputations and an improvement in wound healing outcomes.

"My ultimate goal is to help save more diabetic limbs from the consequences of peripheral arterial disease," said Dr. Shah, Founder of Apex Heart and Vascular.

"At Apex Heart and Vascular, we want to decrease the number of lower extremity amputations by working with other medical providers in New Jersey to provide the best care possible for diabetic patients."

Why are my feet always cold?

Some people say their legs are always cold, but they don’t realize PAD could be the reason why.

Many people are suffering from PAD and are experiencing symptoms of PAD in the Passaic, New Jersey region.

According to New Jersey Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Anuj Shah, if your feet are always cold from October to April, it could be a diabetes-related complication.

Shah says it is easier than ever to detect vascular blockages.

“If your feet are cold or if you are having leg pain, discomfort or achiness, get tested for PAD. Some people think they have restless leg syndrome, which could also be a type of vascular disease,” said Dr. Shah

Symptoms of Circulation problems & PAD include:

Don’t ignore the commonly missed signs of PAD, leg pain, and diabetes.

• Swelling
• Edema
• Discoloration of the leg
• Black spots on the legs
• Leg cramping in the middle of the night
• Dry skin
• Weakness
• Sores on feet that do not heal

“If you feel like you constantly need to scratch your legs, that could be a circulation problem as well,” says Dr. Shah.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment at Apex Heart and Vascular

Apex Heart and Vascular specializes in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) through below-the-knee, below-the-ankle, and pedal endovascular arterial reconstruction.

Cardiovascular screening procedures are an important step in avoiding future limb amputation and extending life expectancy in diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease.

Dr. Shah specializes in fixing complex vascular blockages, including below knee tibial and below ankle cases, the Pedal Loop (TAMI) technique and pedal access.

“I help open blockages below the knee blood vessels (tibial vessels) with the pedal loop technique. Very few interventional cardiologists do this. I have access to the radial and pedal artery, which provides the ability to make a difference when performing critical vascular and cardiac interventions.”

Circulation Testing

All of these symptoms can signify a larger circulation problem.

“The detection of PAD is easier today due to modern advances in technology, but you can’t detect what you don’t look for. Don't ignore any lingering symptoms,” says New Jersey Cardiologist Dr. Anuj R. Shah.

If you have had diabetes for more than a few years, you can get simple circulation testing. Dr. Shah recommends anyone fifty and older get a simple circulation test. “If you have any small ulcers or wounds, make sure you don't have compromised circulation. If you are diabetic, pay close attention to your lower extremities.”

Identifying Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Dr. Anuj R. Shah is an expert on the diagnosis and treatment of PAD in diabetic patients. He is a frequent author on peripheral arterial disease and diabetes. His work is referenced in Podiatry Today and countless other media outlets.

If you suspect you may be suffering from peripheral artery disease, talk to your Cardiologist as soon as possible or contact Apex Heart and Vascular Center. Apex Heart and Vascular has five locations throughout New Jersey, including its flagship location at 293 Passaic Street in Passaic New Jersey. Apex Heart and Vascular has offices in Nutley, Passaic, Jersey City, Newark and Irvington.

Dr. Anuj R. Shah is one of only a few board-certified cardiologists throughout the New Jersey region to practice in vascular, venous, and diabetic limb salvage treatment. The practice specializes in offering diabetic patients cutting-edge solutions to vascular problems, including PAD and PVD. Apex Heart and Vascular Center is the leading private practice for PAD treatment in New Jersey. For more information about Apex Heart and Vascular, visit https://www.apexheartandvascular.com

Resources:

Amputee Coalition New Jersey Fact Sheet

Peripheral Vascular Disease

PAD & Amputation Prevention

Podiatry Today "Diabetes Watch: Emerging Insights On PAD, CLTI And The Gaps In Limb Salvage During The COVID-19 Pandemic," by Priyanka Singh, MD and Anuj Shah, MD, FACC, FSCAI.