What do I need to know about PAD?
Some uncomfortable symptoms, such as heavy, tired or painful legs and feet could indicate you may have 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.). But many people don’t even recognize they have the disease. They may think their leg pain and trouble walking are just signs of getting older.
Learn More About PAD
Peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease (PAD) affects 20 million Americans.1 Knowing the signs and risk factors help with early detection. This may help broaden treatment options which range from non-invasive to invasive.
Make informed decisions and have open conversations with your physician and get a second opinion if amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) is recommended.
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Find a doctor – If you’re looking for a second opinion, we recommend that you talk to a PAD specialist. Click the button to find a PAD specialist near you.
What you should know:
- Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation
- PAD causes arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. in the legs to become narrow and hardened, limiting blood flow to the legs and feet
- The disease affects up to 20 million people — more than cancer, stroke and congestive heart failure41–43
- People with the worst form of PAD, known as critical limb ischemiaAlso potentially known as CLI, the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease. or CLI are at risk for an amputation
Take a Stand: Catching PAD early is very important. Talk to your doctor or consult a PAD specialist to discuss your options. Not all physicians are PAD specialists. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
Talk to Your Doctor
Only a health care professional can diagnose you with PAD. Our Symptom Quiz can help guide the conversation about your treatment options.
Take the Symptom Quiz
Click below to take the interactive Symptom Quiz. You can print your answers out and take them with you to a doctor to help guide your conversation about PAD.
Stop ignoring the signs. Talk to a PAD specialist. Take control of your health.