Peripheral arterial disease—also known as P.A.D.— is a common, yet serious, disease that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.  P.A.D. develops when arteries in your legs become clogged with plaque—fatty deposits that limit blood flow to your legs.  Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs raise your risk for heart attack or stroke.  P.A.D. affects 8 to 12 million people in the United States, especially those over age 50.

P.A.D. does not always cause symptoms, so many people may have P.A.D. and not know it.  People who do experience symptoms, such as pain or cramping in the legs, often do not report them, believing they are a natural part of aging or due to another cause.

Personal Stories (need RealPlayer)
The Stay in Circulation: Take Steps to Learn About P.A.D. video is a 7-minute short feature that showcases the personal stories of three individuals who were recently diagnosed with P.A.D.