September is PAD Awareness Month: Prevention, Empowerment, and Accreditation Excellence

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects over 10 million Americans and remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated cardiovascular conditions in the U.S. September marks PAD Awareness Month—a time to spotlight this serious disease and empower patients, providers, and healthcare organizations to take action.

PAD is caused by narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain while walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, limb loss. It’s also a warning sign of increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Despite its severity, nearly 70% of those living with PAD are unaware they have it.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is leading the charge with its “Get a Pulse on PAD” campaign. The initiative focuses on early detection, equitable access to care, and education for both patients and providers. The campaign provides toolkits with symptom checklists, lifestyle tips, and guidance on diagnostic testing like the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), which can identify PAD early and prevent life-altering complications.

Prevention Starts with Awareness and Action

For patients, prevention is key. Here are some essential steps to reduce PAD risk:

• Quit smoking: Tobacco use is a major risk factor.
• Exercise regularly: Walking programs and supervised exercise therapy can improve symptoms.
• Eat heart-healthy: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports vascular health.
• Manage chronic conditions: Control diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
• Know the signs: Leg pain, cramping, and slow-healing wounds should prompt a conversation with your doctor.

How Corazon Supports Vascular Programs

Hospitals and vascular programs play a critical role in PAD prevention and treatment. That’s where Corazon comes in. As a national leader in cardiovascular accreditation, Corazon offers a comprehensive, SCAI-endorsed accreditation process that helps programs meet the highest standards of care.

Corazon’s services include:

• Onsite program reviews and clinical staff evaluations
• Peer review by practicing physicians
• Quarterly outcomes analysis and dashboard reporting
• Support with regulatory compliance and strategic planning

By partnering with Corazon, vascular programs can ensure quality oversight, improve patient outcomes, and stay ahead of evolving clinical standards. Their collaborative approach helps facilities not only meet accreditation requirements but also foster continuous improvement and innovation in PAD care.

Join the Movement

This September, Corazon and SCAI are hosting a joint webinar titled “Advancing PAD Care in 2025 – A Conversation with Corazon & SCAI”, bringing together experts to discuss PAD prevalence, treatment options, and the importance of accreditation in improving care delivery. It’s a must-attend event for any organization committed to excellence in vascular health. Register here.

PAD Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a patient, provider, or healthcare leader, now is the time to get informed, get screened, and get accredited. Together, we can prevent amputations, improve lives, and elevate the standard of PAD care nationwide.