Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

What is peripheral artery disease?

PAD develops when arteries, usually in the legs, become narrowed or blocked. Plaque buildup can limit the oxygen-rich blood reaching your muscles and skin. PAD also signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Care addresses both your leg circulation and your overall cardiovascular health.

What are the symptoms of PAD?

• Cramping, aching, heaviness or weakness during walking that improves with rest.
• A colder foot, numbness, changes in skin color, or slow-healing sores on the toes, feet or legs.
• Some people have few or no typical symptoms, so cardiovascular risk factors and a clinical evaluation still matter.

Who is at risk for PAD?

• Smoking or a history of smoking.
• Diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• A history of atherosclerosis or other cardiovascular disease. A clinician can help determine whether testing is appropriate for your age, health history and symptoms.

How is PAD diagnosed?

A visit starts with your symptoms, health history and a leg and foot examination. An ankle-brachial index compares ankle and arm blood pressures. Ultrasound or other imaging may be recommended to understand where blood flow is limited.

How is PAD treated?

Treatment may include a structured walking program, help stopping smoking, heart-healthy changes, and medicines to manage cholesterol, blood pressure and clotting risk. A procedure to improve blood flow may be considered for severe disease, a threatened limb, or symptoms that remain limiting despite medical care. The decision depends on your anatomy, health and goals.

Make your visit more useful

Bring your medication list and any previous vascular test reports. Think about how far you can walk before symptoms start, where you feel them, and how long rest helps. Tell the office about any wound or pain at rest when scheduling so your concern can be triaged.

More about this concern

• Leg pain and cramping
• Pain while walking
• Nonhealing foot and toe wounds