Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
It is often a sign of widespread atherosclerosis and can be an early warning for heart attack or stroke. Many people with PAD have mild or no symptoms, making regular screening an important part of preventive healthcare.
What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral arterial disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs.
The most commonly affected area is the legs. When these arteries become narrowed, blood flow decreases, making it harder for muscles and tissues to get the oxygen they need.
PAD is both a local circulation problem and a broader indicator of cardiovascular health. The same plaque buildup that blocks leg arteries can also affect the heart and brain, which is why identifying PAD early is so important.
What Causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?
PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, the gradual accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner walls of arteries. These deposits narrow and stiffen the vessels, restricting blood flow.
Major Risk Factors
- Smoking or tobacco use
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Age over 50
- Family history of heart or vascular disease
The combination of these factors damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque formation. People who smoke or have diabetes are at the highest risk for developing PAD.
Common Symptoms
Many people with PAD do not experience noticeable symptoms, but when they do, the most common is claudication, or leg pain during walking that improves with rest. Other signs include:
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot
- Sores or wounds on toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly
- Shiny or discolored skin on the legs
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
Symptoms may develop gradually and are often mistaken for signs of aging or muscle fatigue.
How to Get Tested for Peripheral Arterial Disease
Screening for PAD is simple and noninvasive. The goal is to measure how well blood is flowing to your legs and identify blockages before they cause more serious problems.
Common Screening Tests
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI): The standard test for PAD. It compares blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. A lower reading in the ankle suggests restricted blood flow.
- Doppler ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of blood flow and identify narrowing or blockages in the arteries.
- Toe-brachial index (TBI): Similar to the ABI test but used for people with calcified arteries where ABI may not be accurate, such as those with diabetes.
- CT or MR angiography: Advanced imaging methods that show detailed pictures of the arteries to assess the severity of blockages.
Take Control of Your Circulatory Health
Peripheral arterial disease can lead to serious complications, including limb pain, infection, and in severe cases, amputation.
However, it can often be prevented or controlled with early detection and lifestyle changes.
Schedule a peripheral arterial disease screening near you today and take control of your heart and limb health.