Do I Have Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Do you have a painful cramping (claudication) in one or both of your legs (hips, thighs or calf muscles) after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs (both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be worse in one leg)?

Does your pain disappear after a few minutes of rest?

Do you have numbness or weakness in your legs?

Does your lower leg or foot feel cold, especially when compared with the other side?

Do you have sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal or heal very slowly?

Have you noticed a change in the color of your legs (they become pale or blue)?

Have you noticed that you losing your hair or slower hair growth on your feet and legs?

Do your toenails grow slowly?

Do you have a shiny skin on your legs?

If you are a man, do you have erectile problems (trouble getting or keeping an erection) or low sex drive?

Do you have painful leg cramps while resting (ischemic pain at rest) that may be so intense that they disrupt your sleep?

Are you over 50?

Are you a smoker?

Do you have diagnosed diabetes?

Are you overweight (your body mass index (BMI) is over 30)?

Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels?

Do you have a family history of peripheral artery disease, heart disease or stroke?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory problem with an abnormal narrowing of arteries that supply blood to your limbs. Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your legs causing a variety of symptoms including painful leg cramping while walking (claudication). Many people with PAD have no symptoms and smokers and diabetics have the highest risk of developing this health disorder. The best way to prevent PAD is to maintain a healthy lifestyle: quit smoking if you are a smoker, keep your blood sugar under control, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Peripheral artery disease refers to a medical condition in which the arteries brings blood to your limbs are narrowed, causing reduced blood flow to your legs and arms. PAD usually occurs due to atherosclerosis (a condition in which fatty deposits accumulate on the walls of the arteries). PAD is characterized by painful leg cramps triggered by activity, called claudication. Do not rule out this symptom as a normal part of aging, but call a doctor and make an appointment. PAD treatment includes lifestyle changes and medication.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Peripheral arterial disease is a common condition in which accumulated fatty deposits on the arteries walls restricts blood supply to your leg muscles. People with PAD have painful leg cramps triggered by activity, called claudication.