Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Wound Centers raise awareness of peripheral artery disease

Darby, Pa. – (September 29, 2021) – The Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Wound Centers observe Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) during September to raise awareness around this common and sometimes fatal circulatory problem.

PAD develops when the arteries that supply blood to arms, legs and internal organs become completely or partially blocked. This blockage is caused by fatty plaque deposits that harden arteries, called atherosclerosis, and greatly reduces blood flow.

PAD affects nearly 10 million people in the United States and increases their risks of hard-to-heal wounds and associated lower-limb amputations by impeding circulation to the legs. The long-term effects of PAD are serious, and 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms.

“Peripheral Artery Disease is an especially serious condition for patients with chronic wounds because of the restricted blood flow PAD causes,” says Jeanette Stemen, MSM, regional director of Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “Our dedicated team at the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine specializes in treating wounds and working to avoid amputation for those affected by PAD."

Our Wound Centers are all members of the Healogics® network. The Healogics® network provides world-class wound care and non-invasive tests for PAD, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms to diagnose PAD, and ultrasound tests to identify which arteries are blocked.

The experts at the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine identify the following risk factors for PAD:

• Smoking or history of smoking
• Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Age above 65 years
• Heart disease
• Excessive weight
• Family history of arterial disease

Advanced PAD results in delayed wound healing and greater risk for limb loss. Twenty-five percent of those with advanced PAD will experience an amputation within one year. People who are at risk for PAD should call if they develop a wound. Specialized care provided by one of our Wound Centers can reduce healing times, increase healing rates and significantly lower amputation risks.

For more information on identifying PAD and treating chronic or infected wounds, contact one of our Wound Centers:

Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Mercy Fitzgerald


610.237.7970

Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Nazareth


215.335.7606

St. Mary Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine


215.710.4325

The Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Center at Saint Francis


302.575.8181