Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulation problem that affects millions of adults, yet many people have never heard of it – and many who have it don’t know. PAD develops when the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, most often the legs, become narrowed by plaque. Beyond causing leg pain and limiting mobility, PAD is an important warning sign that the same disease may be affecting the heart and brain. The good news: PAD is very treatable, and early care protects both your legs and your life.

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease is the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries that supply the arms and legs – usually the legs. As plaque accumulates, it narrows the artery and reduces blood flow to the muscles and tissues. PAD is the limb version of the same process that causes heart attacks and strokes, which is why having PAD is a strong marker of overall cardiovascular risk. MVM offers dedicated PAD evaluation and treatment for exactly this reason.

How does peripheral artery disease develop?

PAD is caused by atherosclerosis – the gradual buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits along the inner walls of arteries. Over years, plaque hardens and narrows the vessels, and blood flow can become partially or fully blocked. When leg muscles can’t get enough oxygen-rich blood during activity, you feel pain or cramping. Because atherosclerosis is a body-wide process, PAD often coexists with coronary artery disease and carotid (neck) artery disease.

What are the risk factors for PAD?

  • Smoking – the single strongest risk factor for PAD.
  • Diabetes – greatly increases risk and accelerates the disease.
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Age – risk rises sharply after about 65.
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Personal or family history of atherosclerotic disease

What are the symptoms of PAD?

The classic symptom is intermittent claudication – cramping, aching, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, or buttock that comes on with walking and eases within a few minutes of rest. But PAD presents in many ways:

  • Atypical leg symptoms – numbness, weakness, or unusual leg fatigue.
  • No symptoms at all – a large share of people with PAD have no obvious symptoms, which is why screening matters.
  • Warning signs in the foot and leg – one foot colder than the other, sores that won’t heal, shiny skin, hair loss on the legs, slow-growing toenails, or color changes.

Non-healing wounds, rest pain, or color changes in the toes can signal a severe form of PAD called critical (or chronic) limb-threatening ischemia, which needs urgent attention.

How is PAD diagnosed?

PAD is straightforward to diagnose with non-invasive testing. MVM’s advanced vascular diagnostics include the key tools:

  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – a simple, painless test comparing blood pressure at the ankle and the arm; it’s the first-line test for PAD.
  • Lower-extremity arterial ultrasound (duplex) – images blood flow and pinpoints narrowed segments.
  • Toe pressures / toe-brachial index – useful when ankle arteries are stiff or calcified, as in diabetes.
  • CT, MR, or catheter angiography – detailed maps of the arteries used when planning a procedure.

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

The goals of PAD treatment are twofold: keep you walking comfortably, and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Care almost always starts with risk-factor control and exercise before considering procedures.

Lifestyle and risk-factor control

Quitting smoking is the most powerful step. Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, plus careful daily foot care, protects circulation and prevents complications.

Supervised exercise therapy

Structured walking programs are one of the most effective treatments for claudication. Guideline panels strongly recommend supervised exercise therapy because it reliably improves how far and how comfortably people can walk.

Medications

  • Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel) to reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
  • High-intensity statins to stabilize plaque and lower cardiovascular risk.
  • Low-dose rivaroxaban plus low-dose aspirin – a newer, guideline-recommended combination that lowers both cardiovascular and limb events in many patients.
  • Cilostazol to improve walking distance in selected patients.

Minimally invasive procedures

When symptoms limit your life despite medication and exercise, or when circulation is severely reduced, minimally invasive PAD treatment can restore blood flow. MVM uses non-surgical, catheter-based techniques such as:

  • Balloon angioplasty and stenting – opening narrowed arteries to improve circulation.
  • Atherectomy – removing plaque to restore flow.

For more complex disease, the choice between minimally invasive treatment and surgical bypass is made together with your vascular specialist based on your anatomy, overall health, and goals.

Talk to a heart & vascular specialist At MVM Heart, Vein and Vascular Centers, our team pairs advanced diagnostics with compassionate, personalized care, with offices in Kendall & Homestead, Florida. Schedule a consultation or call 305-279-2621 to get answers tailored to you.

Frequently asked questions about PAD

Is peripheral artery disease dangerous?

PAD itself can limit mobility and, in severe cases, threaten the limb. Just as important, it signals widespread atherosclerosis – so people with PAD are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Treating PAD protects both your legs and your overall cardiovascular health.

Can walking really help if it causes leg pain?

Yes. Under a structured, supervised program, walking to the point of discomfort, resting, and repeating actually trains your legs to use blood and oxygen more efficiently over time – improving how far you can walk. Always start such a program with guidance from your care team.

How do I know if I should get tested?

Consider an evaluation if you have leg pain or cramping with walking, non-healing foot sores, or risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or being over 65 – especially if you also have heart or carotid artery disease.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition.

References

  1. Gornik HL, et al. 2024 ACC/AHA/Multisociety Guideline for the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease. Circulation. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001251
  2. American College of Cardiology. 2024 Lower Extremity PAD Guideline – Key Points. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2024/05/09/15/00/2024-guideline-for-lower-extremity-pad
  3. Bonaca MP, et al. Rivaroxaban in Peripheral Artery Disease After Revascularization (VOYAGER PAD). N Engl J Med / Circulation. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.050465
  4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Peripheral Artery Disease. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/peripheral-artery-disease

Disclaimer: This article is general educational information, not medical advice for any specific person. For personalized guidance, please schedule a consultation or talk to your physician.