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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition in which the large and medium-sized arteries supplying blood to the legs become narrow or clogged with plaque, constricting the flow of blood. Peripheral artery disease (also known as peripheral arterial disease) is atherosclerosis (more commonly known as hardening of the arteries) occurring in the limbs. Peripheral artery disease may be an indication that atherosclerosis is also present in other areas of the body.
PAD reduces blood flow to the feet and legs and can cause pain in the feet and legs, as well as lead to tissue death (gangrene). People with diabetes and a history of smoking are most at risk of developing peripheral artery disease because circulation is reduced by diabetes and smoking. If this describes you, you could benefit from a peripheral artery disease test.
Peripheral Artery Disease affects about 8.5 million in the U.S., including 12-20% of people over the age of 601. African Americans and people of Hispanic descent have an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease. 40% of people with undiagnosed PAD will not experience any symptoms1, so preventive screening among people with risk factors is critical. In its most serious form, PAD can lead to death of tissue in the feet (gangrene), requiring amputation of the limb. An ABI vascular test on your legs and arms can help determine your risk for this disease.
There are several factors that cause peripheral artery disease, but the most common is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in your arteries. The risk of developing PAD increases for both men and women as they age. Treating and managing any existing medical conditions, primarily diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can help reduce the risk of developing peripheral artery disease. The most important action you can take to mitigate the risk of developing PAD or any vascular disease is to quit smoking. Adults diagnosed with peripheral artery disease are at higher risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. That’s one reason a simple, non-invasive PAD test is so valuable.
A simple, quick and non-invasive procedure, the peripheral artery disease test only requires removing the socks and shoes. Blood pressure cuffs are placed around the upper arms and ankles. A small ultrasound device will then measure the systolic blood pressure in your limbs. Comparing the blood pressure in your arms to the blood pressure in your legs develops a calculation called the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The ankle-brachial index will indicate to the technician if you are at risk for developing PAD, and if follow-up with your doctor is needed. After your PAD screening results are reviewed by a board-certified physician, they will be mailed to you and the ABI of each individual leg will be noted. An ABI off 1.0 to 1.3 is in the normal range. If your results are in the abnormal range (which could be either higher or lower than normal), your results letter will indicate if you should follow up with your physician. Whatever your results on any of your screenings, you should always share your screening results with your personal physician.
Anyone at risk of developing PAD should get a peripheral artery disease screening. Adults who are the most at risk for developing peripheral artery disease include those with risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. People who experience pain or numbness in their legs and feet while walking, have shiny skin on their feet, or sores that won’t heal should also be screened for peripheral artery disease test.
Physicians who are on the front lines of vascular disease believe in these tests—9 out of 10 cardiovascular doctors support preventive health screenings for cardiovascular disease among people with key risk factors.2
These are the most common risk factors for PAD:
The most common symptom of PAD is pain in the feet and legs while walking that feels better after resting. Up to 40% of people with PAD will not experience symptoms, but these are the warning signs:
The most common symptom of PAD is pain in the feet and legs while walking that feels better after resting. Up to 40% of people with PAD will not experience symptoms, but these are the warning signs:
All adults age 50+ as well as adults age 40+ who have any of the risk factors in the list to the right, particularly diabetes and a history of smoking. This population could benefit most from a peripheral arterial disease screening.
People with risk factors should receive a peripheral arterial disease screening annually.
1Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov
2Key risk factors include diabetes, obesity, age 55+, smoking (past or present), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of stroke or heart disease.
