August 25, 2026
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing of arteries—usually in the legs—caused by plaque buildup, which limits blood flow to your limbs. Common warning signs include leg cramping during exercise, sores that won’t heal, leg numbness, hair loss on the legs and feet, and a weak or absent pulse. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications like limb loss.
September marks Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn how this common yet often overlooked condition affects millions of Americans. PAD impacts around 12 million U.S. adults aged 40 and older. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), four in 10 people with PAD have no leg pain at all. That silence is exactly what makes the disease so dangerous.
At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we believe that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability and save limbs and lives. This guide will walk you through what PAD is, the warning signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatment options available today.
Peripheral artery disease is a hardening of the arteries due to a buildup or blockage in an area of the body other than the heart—most often, the legs. PAD is most commonly the result of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up within the arteries.
Over time, this plaque hardens and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood. When tissues beyond the blockage don’t receive enough blood, they can begin to suffer, which is why PAD so often affects the feet and toes.
While the exact cause of atherosclerosis isn’t fully understood, several conditions can damage the inner layers of your arteries and contribute to PAD. Major risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. Research shows smoking and diabetes are two of the strongest risk factors, making people in these groups two to four times more likely to develop the condition.
Because PAD can develop silently, knowing the symptoms is essential. Many patients experience symptoms so mild that they give them little thought. When signs do appear, they often include:
If you notice any of these signs—especially if you also meet the risk criteria—it’s worth speaking with a physician.
The biggest challenge with PAD is its quiet nature. With roughly two-thirds of patients experiencing no symptoms, the disease can progress unnoticed for years. Some people unknowingly limit their activity to avoid discomfort, masking symptoms that would otherwise prompt a doctor’s visit.
This is one reason Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month matters so much. Raising awareness encourages people to recognize their risk factors and seek screening before complications arise.
PAD poses a real health risk when left unmanaged. Those with more advanced forms may experience serious complications, including:
Because plaque tends to build up in more than one place, PAD also signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Among people living with limb loss, vascular disease—including diabetes and PAD—is the main cause, accounting for 54% of cases according to a 2005 estimate. These stakes are precisely why Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month places such emphasis on early action.
It’s easy to confuse these terms, and they’re often used interchangeably. The condition is sometimes called peripheral vascular disease, or PVD. However, the two aren’t identical.
PVD is the broader category, encompassing all conditions affecting blood vessels outside the heart and brain—including veins and the lymphatic system. PAD refers specifically to arterial blockages. In short, PAD is a subset of PVD, and it happens to be the most common form. Other types of PVD that are not PAD include chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombophlebitis, and varicose veins.
An accurate PAD diagnosis depends on the location of the disease. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, a cardiologist may use one or more of the following methods to detect and monitor your artery health:
The ABI is often the first step. It’s simple, painless, and offers invaluable insight into your risk for PAD.
Peripheral artery disease treatment depends on how far the condition has progressed. Care typically follows a stepwise approach, beginning with conservative measures and advancing as needed.
Lifestyle changes. Smoking cessation and exercise are critical for every patient with PAD. When the condition is caught early, these changes may be the only treatment necessary to ease symptoms. A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein also helps manage risk factors.
Medication. Several medications support PAD management. Blood thinners lower the risk of clots, vasodilators help arteries open so you can walk farther without pain, statins reduce LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure medicines help protect against heart attack and stroke.
Minimally invasive procedures. When lifestyle changes and medication aren’t enough, minimally invasive treatments can restore blood flow. Angioplasty uses a tiny balloon to push plaque aside and may include a stent to keep the artery open. Atherectomy uses a thin catheter to remove plaque directly.
Bypass surgery. If a long portion of the artery is completely blocked and symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary. A vein from another part of the body can be used to bypass and reroute blood around the closed artery. The benefits include relieved symptoms, restored blood flow to the extremities, and lasting results.
The field of vascular care continues to evolve. Through the development of non-surgical treatments and leading-edge technology, patients today have more options than ever. Innovations like drug-coated balloons and advanced atherectomy devices help reopen blocked arteries while supporting faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, each case is thoroughly reviewed, and all available treatment options are considered.
The Leg & Vein Center at Cardiovascular Institute of the South diagnoses and treats cardiovascular conditions in the legs, including peripheral artery disease and venous disease. As experienced peripheral artery disease specialists, our team is dedicated to thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed around each patient’s needs.
PAD is a particularly dangerous condition that too many patients are unaware of. While it can sneak up silently, its complications can be life-altering. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to minimizing its impact. With a simple, non-invasive ankle-brachial index test, you can determine your risk and gain valuable insight into your health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of PAD or meet the risk criteria, there’s no better time than Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month to take action. Schedule an appointment with Cardiovascular Institute of the South today and take the first step toward protecting your circulation, your mobility, and your life.
For many people, the first noticeable sign is leg discomfort during activity—pain, cramping, or fatigue in the calves, thighs, or buttocks that begins while walking and eases with rest. However, since two out of three people with PAD have no symptoms, screening is important for anyone with risk factors.
People who smoke or have diabetes face the highest risk, being two to four times more likely to develop PAD. Other risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and increasing age.
PAD is a lifelong condition with no cure, but it can be effectively managed. Lifestyle changes, medication, and—when needed—minimally invasive procedures or surgery can relieve symptoms, restore blood flow, and prevent serious complications like limb loss.
PVD (peripheral vascular disease) is a broad term covering all blood vessel conditions outside the heart and brain, including problems with veins and arteries. PAD specifically refers to arterial blockages and is the most common form of PVD.
No. The ankle-brachial index (ABI), the most common screening test for PAD, is quick, non-invasive, and painless. It simply compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm.