Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral arterial disease, is a condition that occurs when your arteries are narrowed and can’t carry as much blood from the heart to the outer parts of your body. It most commonly affects the legs and arms, but it can also occur in the stomach and kidneys.
It is serious as untreated PAD can increase your risks of heart attack or stroke. This is why it’s important to know the signs. Here’s everything you should know about PAD including the common symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PAD
One common sign of PAD is a pain in your calves when exercising or walking. This pain typically goes away with rest. This is called claudication. PAD sufferers may also experience numbness, tingling, or a feeling of pins and needles in the lower legs or feet. Finally, slow healing wounds is another potential sign of PAD.
While this condition affects millions of Americans, Healthline says “many doctors and patients overlook subtle signs of the condition.” Some individuals even dismiss the pain as a sign of aging. But it’s vital that you pay attention to your body and report any changes to your doctor. The source notes that early treatment is important to protect your vascular system.