PAD – Peripheral Artery Disease

About PAD
PAD Prevalence
PAD Risk Factors
PAD Symptoms

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a type of peripheral vascular disease. PAD is a serious circulatory condition where clogged or narrowed arteries cause poor circulation to the arms, legs, brain or kidneys. It occurs most often in the lower extremities, causing decreased blood flow to the legs and feet. Just like buildup in the heart, clogged arteries in the lower extremities can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Medical Illustration Of Atherosclerosis Of The Lower Extremities
of PAD is fatal within a 5-year period

PAD Risk Factors

The most common risk factors for PAD include:

  • age (70+)
  • tobacco use
  • diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
  • hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
  • family history of vascular disease

Learn more about PAD risk factors.

PAD Risk Factors and Prevalence

PAD Symptoms

Oftentimes, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is asymptomatic while the disease progresses by plaque continuing to build up in the arteries. The classic first symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, characterized by pain in the legs while walking or exercise, that subsides when they stop walking. Because the pain can be experienced and reported differently based on the patient, oftentimes the pain gets mischaracterized. If PAD continues to progress unaddressed, pain in the legs begins to be experienced at rest. With arterial stenosis reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood to the arteries, a patient can experience slow-healing wounds that can get infected. As blood flow continues to be constricted, the infections can lead to gangrene, sometimes requiring amputation. Learn more about PAD symptoms.
Senior woman experiencing peripheral artery disease symptoms in the legs

PAD Prevalence

Twenty million Americans have PAD and, left untreated, PAD is fatal 30% of the time within a five-year period.

Fortunately, today there is a non-invasive technology that can determine the presence of PAD: PADnet and PADnet Xpress are PAD diagnostic testing systems that can be completed in 2 to 20 minutes during a regular office visit.

For patients with increased risk factors, including those being 65 years of age or older with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking, being informed about this arterial disease is especially essential. Leg pain and discoloration of the toes or feet are possible symptoms of PAD. It is important to note, however, that many people with PAD do not experience any symptoms. Testing can help determine if you have PAD and whether medical or surgical treatment is necessary.

Learn more about PAD prevalence.