According to Brett Aplin, MD, from the ProMedica Jobst Vascular Institute, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a fairly common disease that affects 8-10% of the population. Common symptoms of PAD include leg pain that is often relieved by rest, cold feet or pain in the feet. These symptoms are a result of insufficient blood flow due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Early intervention is key, as untreated PAD can lead to painful symptoms, loss of a leg, and an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and heart attack.
Dr. Aplin discusses more about PAD, including its symptoms, causes and treatment, in this video.
Could you be at risk for PAD? Learn the hard-to-spot symptoms.