Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects millions of people—yet many don’t know they have it. Understanding this common vascular condition could be the first step toward avoiding serious health complications.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs. This reduced circulation can lead to pain, numbness, and even non-healing wounds.
If left untreated, PAD can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
PAD often develops silently. But the signs, when they show up, are your body’s way of waving a red flag:
- Leg pain when walking (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Coldness in one leg or foot
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
- Slower toenail or leg hair growth
- Shiny skin on the legs
- Weak pulse in legs or feet
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to talk to your doctor.
Who’s at Risk?
Certain conditions and habits increase your chances of developing PAD:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Age 60+
- A family history of vascular disease
Even without symptoms, people in these categories may already have PAD and not realize it.
Diagnosing PAD
PAD can often be diagnosed with a simple, non-invasive test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in your ankle with that in your arm.
Additional imaging tests may include ultrasounds or MRAs (magnetic resonance angiograms).
What Can You Do About It?
The good news? PAD is treatable—and often manageable—when caught early.
Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and exercising regularly
- Medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood clots
- Surgical procedures in more severe cases, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery
Your doctor will help tailor a treatment plan based on your unique health profile.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
PAD doesn’t just affect your legs—it can signal broader cardiovascular problems. The earlier it’s caught, the better your outcomes can be.
Concerned? Happier at Home caregivers can help you schedule a PAD screening.
Published June 2024 • Updated August 2025
Reviewed by Debbie Marcello, Founder & CEO of Happier at Home
This content is for informational use only and does not replace medical advice.
