Can Peripheral Artery Disease Be Silent? What to Know About the Signs
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more than just a leg condition. It is a sign that plaque has built up inside your arteries, which reduces blood flow. Left untreated, it can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and serious problems with your legs and feet.
PAD does not always announce itself clearly. In fact, many people have PAD for years without realizing it because they have few symptoms or none at all. Knowing if you are at risk and what signs to watch for can help you catch it early.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
“Peripheral artery disease happens when fatty deposits, called plaque, narrow the arteries that carry blood to your arms and legs,” according to Tina Ng MD, PIH Health vascular surgeon. “As the arteries narrow, they deliver less oxygen-rich blood during physical activity.”
Can You Have PAD Without Symptoms?
In some cases, people with peripheral artery disease do not have any warning signs. PAD often develops slowly over time, which is one reason many people do not notice anything wrong in the early stages. Others may have mild symptoms that they chalk up to getting older, arthritis, or being out of shape.
Even without symptoms, PAD can damage your blood vessels and raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider if you have risk factors, even if your legs feel fine.
Who is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop peripheral artery disease, but your risk is higher if you:
- Smoke or used to smoke
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Are age 65 or older
- Are over age 50 with diabetes or a history of smoking
- Have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or PAD
People with more than one risk factor are especially likely to develop the condition.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
Peripheral artery disease often causes symptoms that appear during activity because your muscles need more blood than narrowed arteries can deliver.
- Cramping, aching or pain in the calves, thighs or buttocks while walking that improves with rest
- Leg weakness or heaviness
- One foot or leg feeling colder than the other
- Slow-healing sores on the feet or legs
- Shiny skin or slower hair growth on the legs
- Weak or absent pulses in the feet
- Numbness or pain in the feet, especially as the disease becomes more advanced
These symptoms may come on gradually, making them easy to ignore. If you notice them, do not assume they are just a normal part of aging.
How is PAD Diagnosed?
If your healthcare provider suspects peripheral artery disease, they may perform a simple test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). This painless test compares blood pressure in your ankles with the blood pressure in your arms. A lower blood pressure in the ankles may mean blood flow is reduced.
Your provider may also recommend an ultrasound or other imaging tests if more information is needed.
How is PAD Treated?
Peripheral artery disease can often be managed, especially when found early. Some people benefit from medications or procedures to improve blood flow. Quitting smoking, staying physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can all help slow the disease.
Even if you do not have symptoms, it is worth talking with your healthcare provider if you are at higher risk for PAD.
