Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a common yet often silent vascular condition, impacts millions—especially adults over 50. In PAD, arterial blockages reduce blood flow to your legs and feet, increasing your risk for serious complications like infection, ulcers, or even limb loss when it’s left unnoticed. Early recognition of PAD risk factors and signs and symptoms of PAD in legs can dramatically improve outcomes. During September’s PAD Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on why understanding what PAD is matters—and when to seek help.

What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a vascular disorder in which arteries—most often supplying your legs—become narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque, reducing blood flow to the limbs. This is not to be confused with venous issues; PAD affects arteries, not veins. Classic leg symptoms—like calf pain when walking that eases with rest, known as intermittent claudication—are hallmark signs of PAD

Silent Nature of PAD: Why It Matters
PAD can often be silent—up to 50% of those affected experience no symptoms at all. That means it often goes undiagnosed until it evolves into a serious condition such as critical limb-threatening ischemia—causing rest pain, wounds that won’t heal, or gangrene

Who’s at Risk? Key PAD Risk Factors
Risk factors for PAD mirror those for atherosclerosis and include:

• Cigarette smoking—the single greatest risk factor, increasing PAD risk up to ten-fold.
• Diabetes—people with diabetes face 2–4 times higher risk and may develop PAD earlier.
• High blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (especially high LDL, low HDL), chronic kidney disease, and age over 50 are all significant contributors.
• Statistics show PAD is more common in older populations—prevalence climbs from 5% in those aged 45–50 to nearly 20% in adults over 85.

Recognizing PAD: Signs and Symptoms
Look out for:

• Intermittent claudication—leg cramping, aching, or heaviness that appears during walking and eases with rest
• Other warning signs: cold or numb feet or toes, shiny or hairless skin on the legs, slow-healing ulcers, or sores, bluish or pale skin, and diminished or absent pulses
• In severe cases: rest pain, non-healing wounds, or gangrene indicate urgent medical attention is needed

Why Early Detection of PAD Is Crucial
Diagnosing PAD early with non-invasive tests—like the ankle-brachial index (ABI)—allows for timely intervention, which can include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes minimally invasive procedures to restore blood flow. Early action helps preserve limbs, prevent serious complications, and even reduce cardiovascular risks.

Conclusion & Call to Action
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to take action. If you or a loved one is at risk—or you’ve noticed any signs of PAD in your legs—now is the time to act.

Call Gulf Coast Vascular Care at 228-207-0810 today to schedule your FREE PAD screening during September (PAD Awareness Month). Early detection can be the key to keeping you on your feet—safe, healthy, and active.