PAD Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Peripheral Artery Disease

Every September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, which sheds light on a condition that affects millions but often goes undiagnosed. PAD is more common than many people realize—yet early detection and treatment can make all the difference.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. This occurs due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) that restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching muscles and tissues.
When left untreated, PAD increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even limb amputation.

How Common is PAD?

• PAD affects more than 8.5 million people in the United States, including about 1 in 5 people over the age of 60.
• Globally, over 200 million people live with PAD.
• Despite its prevalence, studies suggest that up to 50% of individuals with PAD are undiagnosed because symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging or arthritis.

Risk Factors for PAD

Certain lifestyle habits, health conditions, and demographics increase the risk of PAD. The most common risk factors include:

• Smoking (current or former) – the leading preventable risk factor.
• Diabetes – raises PAD risk 2 to 4 times.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.
• Age 50+, especially with other cardiovascular risks.
• Family history of heart disease or stroke.

Common Symptoms of PAD

PAD symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Many people, however, experience no symptoms at all. Warning signs include:

• Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication) that improves with rest.
• Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs.
• Coldness in one leg compared to the other.
• Sores, wounds, or ulcers on the feet or legs that heal slowly.
• Shiny skin, hair loss, or weak pulses in the legs and feet.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor about a PAD screening.

Treatment Options for PAD

PAD treatment focuses on improving blood flow, reducing symptoms, and lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Options may include:

• Lifestyle changes – quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and increasing physical activity.
• Medications – to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Minimally invasive procedures – such as angioplasty or stenting to open narrowed arteries.
• Bypass surgery – in severe cases, to restore circulation.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications.

Why PAD Awareness Month Matters

PAD Awareness Month serves as a reminder to:

• Recognize the warning signs of PAD.
• Encourage screenings, especially for those with risk factors.
• Spread awareness that PAD is not a normal part of aging—it’s a treatable condition.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one is at risk for PAD, don’t wait until symptoms get worse. Talk to your healthcare provider about screening options and prevention strategies. If you’ve been diagnosed with PAD, contact CU Medicine IR to discuss minimally invasive treatment options.