Also known as: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. It is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis.
PAD affects approximately 200 million people globally, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. It shares the same underlying pathology as coronary artery disease — atherosclerosis.
The hallmark symptom is intermittent claudication: leg pain or cramping during walking that resolves with rest. However, up to 50% of patients are asymptomatic, and PAD is significantly underdiagnosed.
PAD is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. Patients with PAD have a 6-7 times higher risk of heart attack and stroke than the general population.
People with Peripheral Artery Disease often experience the following symptoms.
Crampy leg pain during walking that consistently occurs at a predictable distance and resolves with 2-5 minutes of rest.
Severe PAD causing rest pain (pain in feet at rest, especially at night), non-healing ulcers, or gangrene.
Shiny skin, hair loss on legs, thickened toenails, and cool skin temperature from reduced blood flow.
Often an early sign of systemic atherosclerosis, including penile arterial insufficiency.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Peripheral Artery Disease.
Common approaches to managing peripheral artery disease. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Structured walking programs are first-line treatment, improving walking distance by 50-200% in many patients.
The single most important intervention. Smoking cessation slows disease progression and reduces cardiovascular risk.
Aspirin or clopidogrel to reduce cardiovascular events. Rivaroxaban added for high-risk patients.
Angioplasty with stenting or surgical bypass for severe symptoms or critical limb ischaemia.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI) — a ratio of ankle to arm blood pressure. ABI below 0.9 confirms PAD. Duplex ultrasound and CT angiography for anatomical assessment.
See a doctor if you experience leg pain while walking that resolves with rest, or if you have non-healing wounds on your feet. Seek emergency care for sudden leg pain with cold, pale limbs.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening peripheral artery disease.
Stop smoking
Control diabetes and blood pressure
Regular exercise
Healthy diet low in saturated fat
If left untreated or poorly managed, peripheral artery disease may lead to:
Atherosclerosis can be stabilised and symptoms improved with lifestyle changes and medications, but significant reversal is uncommon.
No. Spinal stenosis, musculoskeletal problems, and venous disease can cause similar symptoms. ABI testing differentiates.
Most patients do not. Critical limb ischaemia affects about 1-2% of PAD patients. Early treatment prevents progression.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.