Peripheral Arterial Disease: Frequently Asked Questions

The classic symptom of lower extremity PAD is called intermittent claudication – aching or cramping sensation in a part of your legs when walking that improves with rest; however, many patients have atypical leg symptoms (though still usually occurring with exertion) and an even greater proportion of patients have no symptoms at all.

Risk factors for PAD include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, male gender and increased age.

It is estimated that over 9 million people in the United States have PAD, and is more common than atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure.

PAD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and complications, including heart attack, stroke, and development of wounds and ulcers in the legs that could require amputation. The risk of death with significant PAD over a five-year period can be worse than some cancers.

PAD can be evaluated in a variety of ways, but a simple test of measuring blood pressure in your arms and legs can screen for PAD and be performed in the clinic. If you have symptoms of PAD, further non-invasive testing can be performed in a vascular diagnostic laboratory.

Exercise is beneficial for your overall cardiovascular health and is especially important for PAD. Patients with PAD should remain active by walking a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. A well-balanced diet to improve cholesterol and blood pressure is also important. For those that smoke, quitting is essential and of dramatic benefit.

Medications focus on improving cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and some times aspirin or other blood thinning agents. There is also medication available to decrease symptoms, in addition to regular exercise.

For patients with persistent symptoms despite medications or develop wounds, stents can be placed to open up blockages or surgery can be performed to bypass the blockages.

PAD will often progress if not treated; however, with lifestyle changes and appropriate medications, the disease can be managed to decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications and the progression to symptomatic PAD, wound development, or amputation.