Timely detection and treatment of P.A.D. can help reduce your symptoms; improve the quality of your life; help you keep your independence and mobility; and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, leg amputation, and even death.

Peripheral arterial disease—also known as P.A.D.— is a common, yet serious, disease that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. P.A.D. develops when arteries in your legs become clogged with plaque—fatty deposits that limit blood flow to your legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs raise your risk for heart attack or stroke. P.A.D. affects 8 to 12 million people in the United States, especially those over age 50.

P.A.D. does not always cause symptoms, so many people may have P.A.D. Peripheral Arterial Disease and not know it. People who do experience symptoms, such as pain or cramping in the legs, often do not report them, believing they are a natural part of aging or due to another cause.

One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D. Peripheral Arterial Disease.

En Español: Acerca de la Enfermedad Arterial Periférica (P.A.D.)