Peripheral Artery Disease
Do you have leg pain or trouble walking? These problems may be signs of a serious circulation problem. Help is out there – stay informed and learn how to stay healthy.
Who’s at Risk?
American Indians and people of African descent have the highest rates of PAD in the United States. People with the highest risk are over those over the age of 50, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and who’ve had a stroke.
About Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease of the blood vessels in areas outside your heart. This serious circulation problem affects arteries that carry blood to your arms and legs. You may also hear it called peripheral vascular disease, or PVD.
How to Get Diagnosed
Check your risk. Could you be at risk for PAD? It’s important to find a doctor who takes the time to listen to you and who explains all options to address your medical needs. The results from this assessment can set the stage for a productive conversation with your healthcare team.
Manage Your Risk Factors
You may be at an increased risk for certain disease states due to your race, ethnicity and gender – but these factors shouldn’t stand in the way to receiving appropriate care. You can protect family’s health, starting with learning the lifestyle changes that lowers risks the most.
Resources & Support
We spoke with patients around the country to find out what resources would be most helpful and designed this resource page with your needs in mind.
- Learn about health conditions and treatments
- Find a doctor near you
- Review questions to ask your doctor
- Get reliable rides to your appointment
- Understand common medical terms