Verde Valley Medical Center invites the community to its “Heart of the Matter” cardiac education topic Monday, Oct. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month’s lecture, “Peripheral Artery Disease,” will be presented by Bruce Peek, M.D., interventional cardiologist. Due to limited seating, preregistration is required by calling 639-6322.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which the arteries supplying blood to the limbs become clogged or partially blocked. When this happens, the extremities have less blood than needed to keep up with demand. PAD refers to a problem with any of the arteries outside the heart, but the term is most commonly used to describe problems with cramping or pain in the legs when walking.

PAD affects one million people in the United States, including five percent of adults older than 50. If diagnosed early, PAD often can be treated with exercise, diet, and techniques to reduce cholesterol. Early treatment can stop progression of the disease and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The complimentary program will be presented at VVMC, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, in Conference Room C. For easiest access to the conference room, park in the visitor lot on Candy Lane, and enter through the Outpatient Services entrance.