Peripheral artery disease, often called PAD, is a common condition that reduces blood flow to the arms or legs, most often the legs.
Healthy arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to muscles and other tissues.
When these arteries become narrow, the muscles do not receive enough oxygen, especially during physical activity, making everyday tasks more difficult. PAD is closely linked to heart disease and stroke, so finding and treating it early is very important.
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the arteries.
As plaque grows, the arteries become narrower and harder, making it more difficult for blood to flow. The same process can also affect the arteries that supply the heart and brain.
One of the earliest warning signs is leg pain that appears during walking or climbing stairs and disappears after resting. Doctors call this symptom claudication. The pain may feel like cramping, aching, heaviness, or unusual tiredness in the calves, thighs, or buttocks, and it often limits how far a person can walk.
Some people also notice numbness, weakness, or a cold feeling in one foot or lower leg compared with the other. Cuts or sores on the feet and toes may heal slowly because the body is not receiving enough blood to repair damaged tissue. The skin may appear pale, shiny, or slightly blue, and hair growth on the legs and feet may become thinner over time.
If blood flow becomes severely reduced, the condition can become much more serious. Tissue may begin to die, causing gangrene, which is a medical emergency that may lead to amputation if treatment is delayed. For this reason, any sudden increase in pain, dark skin changes, or non-healing wounds should be assessed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Several factors increase the risk of developing PAD. Smoking is one of the biggest causes because it damages blood vessels and speeds up plaque buildup. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or a family history of heart and blood vessel disease also have a greater chance of developing the condition. The risk increases with age, especially after 50.
Doctors can often diagnose PAD with a simple test called the ankle-brachial index, or ABI. This painless test compares blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm. If needed, ultrasound scans or other imaging tests can provide a clearer picture of blocked arteries and help guide treatment.
Treatment usually begins with healthy lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to slow the disease. Regular walking exercise is strongly recommended because it encourages the body to develop small new blood vessels that improve circulation. Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol can also help protect the arteries.
Many people also benefit from medicines that lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, or prevent blood clots. Statins are commonly prescribed because they reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some medicines can also improve walking ability and reduce leg discomfort.
If symptoms remain severe despite these treatments, doctors may recommend procedures such as angioplasty, in which a small balloon widens the blocked artery, sometimes followed by placement of a stent to keep it open.
In more advanced cases, bypass surgery may be needed to create a new path for blood flow. Supervised exercise programs can also improve walking distance and quality of life.
With early diagnosis, healthy habits, and proper medical care, many people with PAD can stay active, reduce symptoms, and lower their risk of serious complications.
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