Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. It occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. While this buildup primarily occurs in your legs, it is rarely confined to a single area.
Think of your legs as the canary in the coal mine. If your leg arteries are clogged with plaque, there is a higher probability that the arteries supplying your heart and brain are clogged, too. In fact, research shows that heart conditions are increasingly linked to declining brain health and dementia, making early detection vital for your entire body.
According to the American Heart Association, people with PAD have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those without it. The pain in your legs is your body’s early warning system — a signal that your vascular system is struggling to deliver oxygen-rich blood where it is needed most.
Decoding the symptom: Intermittent claudication
The hallmark symptom of PAD is a specific type of pain called intermittent claudication. Unlike the constant ache of arthritis or the sharp zap of sciatica, claudication follows a predictable cycle:
- Exertion: The pain starts when you walk or exercise. Your muscles need more blood flow than your narrowed arteries can provide.
- Location: You feel it in muscles — typically the calf, but also the thigh or buttock — rather than joints.
- Relief: The pain stops within minutes of resting.
If you find yourself needing to stop frequently to let the pain subside, you may want to consider speaking with a doctor.
Who is most at risk?
PAD can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your odds. Recent studies show that specific health issues precede 99% of strokes and heart attacks, and many of those risk factors overlap directly with PAD. You should be especially vigilant if you are over 50 and have a history of:
- Smoking: This is the single biggest risk factor. Smokers are diagnosed with PAD up to 10 years earlier than non-smokers.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time.
- High cholesterol: It contributes to the plaque buildup that narrows arteries.
The simple test that could save your life
The good news is that diagnosing PAD is non-invasive. Doctors use a test called the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI).
During this test, a health care provider measures the blood pressure in your ankle and compares it to the blood pressure in your arm. If the pressure in your ankle is significantly lower, it indicates a blockage in the leg arteries.
What you can do right now
If you suspect you have PAD, the most dangerous thing you can do is ignore it. The second most dangerous thing is to stop moving.
While it seems counterintuitive to walk when it hurts, a structured walking program is actually one of the most effective treatments for PAD. Walking pushes your body to create “collateral vessels” — tiny new blood pathways that bypass the blockages. However, you must clear this with your doctor first.
Your action plan should look like this:
- Schedule an appointment: Specifically mention your leg pain and ask if an ABI test is appropriate.
- Inspect your feet: Poor circulation can slow the healing of foot injuries. Check daily for sores or cuts that aren’t healing.
- Prioritize heart-healthy habits: If you smoke, stopping is the most impactful change you can make.
Your legs are trying to tell you something important. Listening to them now could keep your heart beating strong for years to come. To help you stay ahead of potential issues, Life Line Screening reveals hidden risks so you can act early. Book a screening today and have peace of mind.