Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is a common circulatory problem where arteries reduce the blood flow to the limbs. If you have peripheral arterial disease, your extremities — usually your legs — don't get enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This condition is called intermittent claudication, and can cause leg pain.  Plus, peripheral arterial disease is likely to be a sign of widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which may be also reducing blood flow to your heart and brain.

Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is often seriously under-diagnosed. PAD causes leg pain that, left untreated, can limit activity and can ultimately lead to amputation. People with PAD ultimately have a 15 times greater risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

The good news is peripheral arterial disease can be detected with one simple, painless exam. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to stop the progression of peripheral arterial disease and help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

You may be at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease if you answer "Yes" to three or more of the following questions:

Do you have any discomfort or aching in your legs when you walk?

Do your legs feel fatigued or heavy?

Do you need to stop and rest when walking?

Do you have a history of, or take medication for any of the following:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Coronary artery disease: heart attack, stents or balloon angioplasty, bypass surgery
  Peripheral vascular disease: stroke, aneurysm, carotid artery or leg artery blockages