Recognizing the Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of adults in the United States: About 10 million Americans over the age of 40 have been diagnosed with this debilitating condition, and experts surmise that millions more may be living with it — but don’t yet know.   

Why does this matter? Because PAD is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, it is the leading factor in 400 nontraumatic limb amputations every day in the US. 

At Advanced Vascular Surgery, we know that when it comes to guarding against PAD, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why, in advance of PAD Awareness Month this September, our team is taking a closer look at PAD — from risk factors and warning signs to the benefits of timely intervention and care.

From atherosclerosis to PAD

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of sticky plaque deposits in your arteries that causes them to become progressively narrower, gradually reducing or blocking blood flow. Diseases linked to atherosclerosis rank as the leading cause of death, both in the U.S. and worldwide. 

PAD is one of those diseases. It occurs when the arteries outside your heart — usually in the legs, but sometimes in the arms as well — are narrowed by atherosclerosis, slowing the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected extremities.   

When PAD goes unchecked

PAD progresses slowly, often over decades. Symptoms typically emerge only after arteries have substantially narrowed, often by 60% or more. 

The further PAD advances, the more damage it can do, undermining your circulation and increasing the risk of serious or life-threatening complications like: 

• Having a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Dying of a sudden heart attack or stroke
• Critical limb ischemia and amputation

Unfortunately, only one in four people (25%) with PAD have obvious symptoms, and one in two people (50%) don’t have any symptoms at all. How can you spot the warning signs of a disease that’s often “silent?” By understanding your personal risk for developing PAD. 

Your personal PAD risk factors

Anyone can develop PAD, but it’s most common in adults over 60 and those with a family history of heart disease. You can’t modify these uncontrollable risk factors, but luckily, the strongest risk factors for PAD are those that you can avoid, modify, or control, including:

• Smoking (a factor in 80% of cases)
• Inactivity, lack of regular exercise
• A diet that’s rich in saturated fat
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure 
• Insulin resistance and diabetes 
• Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels

PAD risk is cumulative, meaning the more “risk factor boxes” you check, the greater your chances of developing it. Fortunately, knowing your personal risk level is the first step in taking control of your health. 

Common warning signs of PAD 

Most often, PAD occurs in the lower extremities, causing limited blood flow to the legs and feet. The first stage of PAD has no noticeable symptoms, but the second and third stages are marked by various abnormal leg sensations as your blood flow decreases: 

Intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication, or painful leg cramping that happens during activity and eases with rest, is a common early PAD symptom. It’s a sign that your legs aren’t getting enough blood and oxygen to meet the needs of increased muscle activity.  

Mild leg pain or cramping during exercise is a sign of stage two PAD; more severe claudication indicates stage two PAD that’s advancing. 

Bothersome leg sensations

In its second stage, PAD may also trigger sporadic “pins-and-needles” sensations in your legs or feet, or burning pain in your feet when you’re resting at night. By stage three, PAD may cause ongoing leg pain at rest (ischemic pain).  

Progressive skin changes

Longstanding poor circulation in your lower extremities can lead to physical changes in the overlying skin tissues. In this fourth stage of PAD, you may notice cooler skin temperature on your lower legs or feet, shiny, itchy skin patches, changes in skin color, and eventually, sores (ulcers) on your lower legs, ankles, or feet. 

PAD prevention and control 

The good news? PAD is largely preventable through healthy living. Luckily, the very same lifestyle habits and changes that help prevent PAD can also help slow or stop its progression. This includes: 

• Supported smoking cessation
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting more physically active
• Choosing heart-healthy foods
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Managing high blood pressure
• Keeping cholesterol in check

Whether you’re worried about your PAD risk or you’d like to investigate concerning symptoms with a vascular ultrasound, Advanced Vascular Surgery is here to help. 

Schedule a visit at your nearest office in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Battle Creek, Coldwater, Sturgis, or Three Rivers, Michigan, today.