Peripheral Artery Disease

Did you know your legs can also have a “heart attack”?

Just like blocked arteries in the heart cause a heart attack and need angioplasty, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) blocks blood flow to your legs, arms, or other parts—and may require a peripheral angioplasty to restore circulation.

What Is PAD?

PAD or peripheral artery disease, causes narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. This reduces blood flow, leading to pain while walking & other symptoms.

Walking pain caused by PAD is called intermittent claudication, a term that means “to limp.”

Signs & Symptoms

PAD symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. Here are the common signs and symptoms to watch out for:

Intermittent Claudication

Muscle pain or cramping occurs on walking short distances and is relieved on rest. Pain reappears when the patient walks again.

Rest Pain

Severe burning pain even at rest due to ischaemia – severely reduced blood flow.
Worsens at night, may disturb sleep.

Ulcers/Gangrene

Non-healing ulcers on toes due to poor circulation. May progress to gangrene (blackening) if not treated.

No Symptoms?

This is because of two reasons:

Low Activity: Mild/moderate PAD patients do not experience claudication due to inactivity.
Misinterpretation: Discomfort during walking is misjudged as ageing.