Could I Have PAD and Not Know It?

The worst health conditions are the ones you don’t see coming. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of those sneaky conditions that can creep up on you without warning. 

Here, our skilled team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, explains the warning signs of PAD and why it’s not always easy to detect. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) 101

Peripheral artery disease affects about 230 million people worldwide. It occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, especially your legs. Essentially, PAD is to your legs what coronary artery disease is to your heart. 

PAD usually develops slowly over time, but don’t let that relaxed time frame fool you into thinking it’s no big deal — PAD is a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. If left untreated, PAD can lead to severe complications, including limb amputation.

Symptoms of PAD to watch for

Recognizing the symptoms of PAD is challenging — they can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of:

Leg pain while walking

One of the most common signs of PAD is leg pain or cramping when walking, also known as claudication. It usually occurs in the calf but can also affect your thighs or buttocks, and it typically subsides after a few minutes of rest.

Numbness or weakness

PAD can cause numbness or weakness in your legs, which can make it difficult to stand, walk, squat, and perform other daily activities.

Coldness in your lower leg or foot

If you notice one of your lower legs or feet feels significantly colder than the other, it could be a sign of PAD because reduced blood flow can cause temperature differences in your extremities.

Changes in skin color and hair loss

PAD may cause changes in the color of your skin, making it appear more pale, bluish, or even shiny. Due to reduced blood flow, you may also notice hair loss on your legs and feet.

Slow-healing wounds or ulcers

Wounds or ulcers on your legs and feet that take longer to heal than usual could be a symptom of PAD because poor circulation can hinder your body’s ability to heal itself.

Can you have PAD without knowing it?

The short answer is yes. PAD can develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. Many people don’t realize they have PAD until it has progressed significantly. 

Your best defense against PAD is being proactive about your health, knowing what to watch for, and recognizing the potential risks.

Why PAD often goes undetected

PAD often exists without symptoms, meaning you may not see any obvious signs. This condition tends to go unnoticed in people who lead sedentary lifestyles or have other health conditions that mask the symptoms of PAD.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of PAD

Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing PAD. The most common are:

• Smoking
• Being 50 years or older
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• A family history of cardiovascular disease, PAD, or stroke

If you have any of these risk factors, talk with one of our specialists about how to prevent PAD.

The importance of regular check-ups

Regular check-ups with our Vascular & Interventional Specialists can help you (and us) detect PAD early, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. Simple tests, such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI), can measure the blood pressure in your ankles and arms to determine if you have PAD.

If we find signs of PAD, we can help you reduce your risk of complications through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. We can also prescribe medications to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clots. 

If your arteries are beyond the scope of these conservative measures, we can perform angioplasty to open them up and allow blood to flow more easily through them. 

Don’t let PAD sneak up on you. Call Vascular & Interventional Specialists or request an appointment online today to determine what’s happening in your arteries.