Check your feet and legs

As you get older, you might notice changes to the look and feel of your skin and think these changes are a normal part of the aging process. But these changes could be a symptom of 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.). Talk to a health care professional to see if you are at risk.

When the blood flow to your legs, feet and toes is restricted – as it is with PAD – the skin in these areas can’t get enough nutrients. You may notice your skin feels drier than normal and is an unusual color. Parts of your skin could appear to be redder when you’re sitting or standing. Or your skin might have an unhealthy paleness when your leg is elevated.