Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is more common, and more dangerous, than most people realize. Often mistaken for simple leg pain or aging, PAD is a circulatory condition that reduces blood flow to the limbs, typically due to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries caused by plaque buildup). Left undiagnosed or untreated, PAD can lead to severe complications like non-healing wounds, gangrene, and even limb amputation. Even more concerning, PAD is a red flag for systemic cardiovascular disease, doubling the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Despite its seriousness, PAD remains widely underdiagnosed. Millions of Americans live with the disease without knowing it, simply attributing symptoms like leg cramps, numbness, or fatigue to aging or lack of exercise. This is where awareness becomes critical.
PAD is most common in individuals over 50, especially those who smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. African Americans are also at a higher risk. But awareness isn’t just about knowing the risk factors, it’s about empowering both patients and healthcare professionals to act early. Quick, non-invasive tests like the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) can detect PAD before it progresses. Devices like Smart-ABI and other modern point-of-care tools now make this testing faster, more accurate, and more accessible in clinics nationwide.
Raising awareness about PAD means encouraging people to talk to their doctors about symptoms, pushing clinics to include ABI testing in routine evaluations, and educating communities on the life-saving value of early detection. The earlier PAD is found, the better the chances of managing it through lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures that restore healthy blood flow.
PAD doesn’t have to lead to amputation or shorten lives. But it starts with awareness. Let’s get ahead of PAD, by recognizing it, testing for it, and treating it before it’s too late.