We have discussed on past editions of Sunday House Call how we tend to think of heart attacks and stroke when considering the effects of cardiovascular disease. What should be included as well is peripheral arterial disease or PAD; a serious condition that causes significant morbidity and poor quality of life.

Edmonton researchers at the University of Alberta presenting their findings at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, report that people over age 40 be screened for peripheral artery disease. To explain the reasoning behind this recommendation,

• Dr. Ross Tsuyuki, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, MSc, Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Director, EPICORE Centre, University of Alberta