What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease affects between 8 million and 12 million Americans and can result from a build-up of plaque and fatty deposits in the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. The most common place for PAD to develop is in the legs, but it also can occur in the kidneys, stomach and arms. Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation, heart attack or stroke.

PAD Risk Factors
People who are most susceptible to PAD are:

• Age 50 or older
• Suffering from high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Smokers
• Being treated for diabetes
• Overweight
• From a family with a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes

PAD Symptoms
Many people do not experience any symptoms, but some people with PAD suffer from pain, cramping or fatigue in the thighs, calves, hips or buttocks; foot pain that continues after exercise; and foot, toe or lower leg wounds that take too long to heal.

PAD Treatment Options
Many people who suffer from PAD can get the help they need through simple lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking and eating healthier. Your physician may also recommend a medication to reduce the plaque build-up. In
severe cases, surgery may be needed to restore the blood flow to the areas affected by PAD.