Nearly 1 out of 3 people over 70 have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a broad term used to describe atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) resulting in decreased blood flow to the affected area and can cause symptoms ranging from mild pain to gangrene and limb loss. This condition affects approximately 12 million Americans. Fairview Vascular Services, a partnership of Minnesota Vascular Clinic and University of Minnesota physicians, in partnership with BioMedix and ev3, will host a series of free PADnet screening events during September – national PAD awareness month – throughout the Twin Cities metro area and in Red Wing.

The free PAD screening is for people who are over 50 years of age and have at least one of the following risk factors are eligible: diabetes; hypertension (high blood pressure); heart disease; or family history of heart and vascular disease.

Free PAD screenings 

• Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, 1 – 4 p.m.
  Fairview Columbia Heights Clinic, Columbia Heights 
• Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, 2 – 5 p.m.
  Fairview Ridges Hospital, Burnsville
• Monday, September 28, 2009, 9 a.m. – noon
  Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Wyoming
• Monday, Sept. 28, 2009,  2 – 5 p.m.
  Fairview Southdale Hospital, Edina
• Tuesday, Sept 29, 2009,  1 – 4 p.m.
  McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota east bank campus, Minneapolis
• Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009,  noon - 3 p.m.
  Fairview Redwing Medical Center, Red Wing

Appointments required.  For an appointment, call 612-672-7272.