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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Narrowing of the arteries in the legs from plaque build-up, reducing blood flow. It commonly causes leg pain when walking and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Causes & risk factors
- Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque in arteries)
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Ageing and lack of exercise
Common symptoms
- Leg pain or cramping when walking
- Cold, pale or bluish feet
- Numbness in the legs
- Slow-healing foot sores
- Leg weakness or fatigue
Tests & diagnosis
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
- Doppler ultrasound
- Lipid profile
- Blood sugar
- CT or MR angiography
Treatment & management
- Stop smoking — the single most important step
- Supervised walking exercise programmes
- Medicines to control cholesterol, BP and prevent clots
- Careful foot care, especially in diabetes
- Angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery for severe cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Seek urgent care for a suddenly cold, painful, pale leg (possible blockage)
- See a doctor for leg pain on walking that eases with rest
- Get non-healing foot sores checked promptly, especially with diabetes
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about peripheral artery disease (pad). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why does PAD matter beyond the legs?
The same plaque affects heart and brain arteries, so PAD signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Can walking really help?
Yes — regular supervised walking often improves how far you can walk before pain starts.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.