PERIPHERAL arterial disease is often associated with older people.

It can be hereditary but other potential risk factors can be a trigger for the condition such as diabetes and smoking.

This month the NHS Stoptober campaign kicks off and is encouraging people to abstain from smoking and drinking, initially for a month, but ultimately for the sake of their health.

Learning about the threats to health through conditions such as peripheral arterial disease should be enough to make people take stock and think about the impact it can have, not just on them, but on their family.

Consultant vascular surgeon Kevin Molloy, who works in Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital, says peripheral arterial disease relates to furred up arteries in the legs. “It can cause poor blood supply and the end outcome can be ulcers or gangrene,” he says.

Mr Molloy explains there are many causes of furred arteries. Some people are pre-disposed to the condition through family history; age can also have a bearing as can diabetes, high blood pressure and also smoking.

The staggering fact is that many young sufferers are often faced with the loss of toes or even legs due to the condition. “It is probably as serious as heart attacks and strokes and it is all the same disease process,” says Mr Molloy.

“I don’t think too many people think they will lose a toe or a leg in their 30s but it can happen.”

Referring to those who are considering quitting during Stoptober, Mr Molloy adds: “My message would be to accept the help that is offered to them by the stop smoking teams because a lot of patients say they will but would rather do it on their own with willpower.”

But Mr Molloy says they are more likely to be successful in their quest with the support of the stop smoking team.

Amanda Bailey, stop smoking specialist and secondary care lead who works at Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s and Airedale Hospitals, sees first-hand the potential damage smoking can cause and not solely among older patients. She says she’s seen people in their 30s who have been referred because they could be at potential risk of losing limbs.

“It has been quite emotional,” says Amanda.

“You feel passionate to do your best to get them to stop smoking.”

Smoking is the biggest cause of premature death in England and in the district. Every year more than 750 people die as a direct consequence of smoking.

Each year in Bradford ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) estimates smoking costs society £125 million; care in later life of ex-smokers involves £10.4 million to £5.9 million in costs from the Local Authority and £4.4 million to individuals self-funding their care. Smoking related early deaths lead to 1,564 years’ worth of productivity and 108,686 days due to sick leave.

Launched in 2012, Stoptober is the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England that encourages and supports smokers across the country to quit for good.

It is the biggest mass quit attempt in the UK with 250,000 people in England and Wales participating in last year’s challenge. In Bradford, 1,885 took part last year resulting in 1,256 successful quit attempts.

Comedians Paddy McGuinness, Simon Brodkin, Andi Osho and Al Murray are using humour to help people through the difficult process of quitting during this year’s campaign.

For many it is hard habit to break, particularly for those who have been smoking for a long time. Quitting can take time but they can beat the cravings and they will get there in the end according to Amanda whose message is to never stop trying to quit.

“If people can do it for Stoptober they have a lot of support for the month. There is a lot of people who may think they will have a go after it – if they can quit for 28 days it gives them a step up, they just need a nudge.

“But they have to keep trying because they can succeed.”