Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation
Smoking can make PAD worse
Of all the risk factors for peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.), smoking is considered the most powerful predictor of PAD.37 Smoking is known to damage your heart and lungs, and the lives of patients with PAD who also have cardiovascular problems could be at greater risk.28
Smoking also is an important risk factor for the development of plaque in your arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. (atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body.)19 — a leading cause of PAD, heart attack and stroke. Plus, aging plays a role in raising a smoker’s risk for PAD.13
Don’t delay. If you are a smoker, talk to your health care professional about your risk level for PAD and about treatment options, if you do have the disease. Also talk about treatment options to help you stop smoking.
You can use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you.
Stop ignoring the signs. Talk to a PAD specialist. Take control of your health.