What Increases Your Risk

Many things can increase your risk for atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). These include:

• Smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes. People with diabetes often have arterial disease that is both more severe and more widespread than in people who don't have diabetes.
• A family history of atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease.

The risk for PAD also increases with age. About 1 out of 5 adults older than 55 have peripheral arterial disease (PAD).²

People who have the disease in one part of the body are likely to have it in other places, including the legs.

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you suddenly have severe leg pain; numbness; or pale, blue-black skin.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Leg pain that begins after you walk a certain distance and that goes away when you rest (intermittent claudication).
• Foot or toe pain when you are resting.

Who to See

Health professionals who may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) include:

• Family medicine doctor.
• Internal medicine doctor (internist).
• Cardiologist.
• Vascular surgeon.