Peripheral artery disease is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often causing leg pain during walking. Early symptoms may be mild but can lead to serious complications if not addressed. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and tests like the ankle-brachial index.
Introduction
Some health issues quietly build up without warning. Peripheral artery disease is one of them. It tends to develop slowly, and many people don’t realise anything’s wrong until walking even short distances becomes tiring or painful. It’s often mistaken for just getting older or being out of shape.
This blog is here to give you a clear understanding of what’s happening when your blood flow starts getting restricted in certain parts of your body particularly your legs. You’ll learn what PAD symptoms feel like, what causes them, and what steps you can take to catch the signs early and manage the condition effectively.
If you’ve been wondering why your legs ache more than usual, or if someone you know has been told they might have artery disease, this guide will help. Whether you’re looking to better understand the condition or searching for trusted help, Midas Care Clinic offers support from experienced professionals who know how to guide patients through the process.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease happens when the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your limbs start to narrow. This narrowing is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits inside the artery walls. As the space within the arteries gets smaller, it becomes harder for blood to reach areas like your legs or feet.
This condition is often referred to as PAD, and it mainly affects the lower part of the body. Since your muscles need oxygen-rich blood to work properly, reduced circulation can make everyday tasks uncomfortable. You might notice your legs hurting when you walk, or your feet feeling colder than usual, even when the rest of your body feels fine. These are some of the early peripheral artery disease symptoms, though they’re easy to miss or confuse with tiredness.
Many people don’t recognise artery disease right away because the symptoms build up gradually. It may start with something as simple as a cramp in the calf during a short walk. Over time, that discomfort might happen more often, even while resting. Knowing what to look out for makes it easier to take the right steps early.
What Causes Peripheral Artery Disease?
The main cause behind peripheral artery disease is a condition known as atherosclerosis. This happens when fatty substances, cholesterol, and other deposits build up on the walls of your arteries. Over time, these deposits harden and narrow the passageway, making it difficult for blood to move through as it should.
This type of artery disease doesn’t develop overnight. It’s often the result of long-term habits or underlying conditions. Smoking is one of the most common triggers. When tobacco affects the blood vessels, they become more prone to narrowing. Similarly, having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes puts more stress on your arteries, increasing the chances of blockages.
As people grow older, their risk of PAD tends to rise, partly due to slower circulation and the natural stiffening of arteries. But age alone isn’t the only factor. Family history plays a part, too. If someone in your close family had artery disease, your chances might be higher. Lifestyle choices like a lack of movement, a high-fat diet, or smoking can add to the risk significantly.
It’s important to know that peripheral artery disease isn’t only caused by one thing. It’s often a mix of genetics and habits over time. And the earlier you identify the contributing factors, the better your chances of keeping the condition under control.
What Symptoms Should You Watch Out For?
Recognising the signs of peripheral artery disease early can make a big difference. Many people mistake the discomfort for tiredness, ageing, or overuse. But when the blood can’t reach your legs and feet properly, your body often gives clear warnings. These are common peripheral artery disease symptoms, and paying attention to them early can help you avoid complications later on.
Early Signs That Might Seem Minor
These are the PAD symptoms that often show up first but are easy to overlook:
- Aching or cramping in the legs while walking, especially in the calves or thighs
- Walking discomfort that goes away when resting
- Legs or feet that feel unusually cold compared to the rest of the body
- Numbness in the feet or toes, especially at night
- A slower pace while walking because of lower leg tightness
People experiencing these symptoms may think they’re just out of shape or haven’t had enough rest. But these early changes in how your legs feel during activity can signal artery disease is starting to limit circulation.
Signs That Need Quick Attention
When PAD symptoms begin to affect your daily life even when you’re not active, it may point to a more advanced stage. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored:
- Leg or foot pain while resting, especially when lying down
- Skin that turns pale, bluish, or shiny on the lower legs or feet
- Open sores or slow-healing wounds on toes or feet
- Hair loss on legs or weak pulse in the feet
- Redness or swelling without injury
If you notice these more serious peripheral artery disease symptoms, it’s a sign that blood flow has become severely limited. These are not issues to monitor casually; they require a professional’s attention.
Identifying artery disease at any stage is useful, but acting early makes the biggest difference. Mild signs can be managed more easily and may prevent the condition from getting worse over time.
Who Is More Likely to Get PAD?
Some health conditions tend to show up more often in certain groups of people. That’s true with peripheral artery disease as well. While anyone can develop it, certain risk factors make it more likely. These are often tied to age, lifestyle, or other medical issues.
Main Risk Factors
If any of the following apply to you, it might be a good time to learn more about PAD or speak with a doctor:
- Age over 50
As people grow older, arteries naturally stiffen. Reduced flexibility makes it easier for fat to stick and harder for blood to flow smoothly. - Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of narrowed arteries. It damages the lining of the vessels, making them more prone to blockage. - Diabetes
People with diabetes often have higher levels of sugar in the blood, which can damage artery walls and lead to peripheral artery disease. Yes, diabetes is a major risk for PAD. - High blood pressure
When pressure is consistently high, it puts extra strain on the artery walls, encouraging plaque build-up. - High cholesterol
Extra cholesterol in the blood can settle along artery walls, slowly narrowing the passageways. - Lack of movement
A sedentary lifestyle weakens circulation and increases the chance of plaque formation. - Family history of poor circulation
If relatives have dealt with artery disease, your risk goes up, even if you feel healthy now. - Obesity and poor eating habits
Weight gain and high-fat diets can contribute to blood vessel damage and long-term health issues.
India-Specific Observations
In India, the pattern of lifestyle-related health issues is shifting. The following local factors are often linked with a higher risk of peripheral artery disease:
- Desk jobs and reduced physical activity
Long hours of sitting with little movement can make it harder for blood to flow efficiently through the legs. - Frequent consumption of fast or processed food
Foods high in salt, sugar, and fat can increase cholesterol levels and contribute to vascular problems. - Limited access to routine health screenings
Many people do not visit a peripheral artery disease specialist until symptoms become severe. Preventive checkups are often skipped unless pain becomes frequent.
If you’re unsure whether you might be at risk, it’s always best to check with a local clinic. Midas Care Clinic offers early assessment and expert guidance, especially for people who might not have noticed the signs before.
References
- According to the Studies, 1 in every 20 people over the age of 50 may have PAD, and many don’t realise it.
- A systematic review published by The Lancet in 2021 found that over 230 million people worldwide are living with PAD.
- Studies from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have reported an increasing trend of PAD among urban populations, linked closely to diabetes and smoking.
How Is PAD Diagnosed?
Finding out whether you have peripheral artery disease doesn’t always require complex tools. Doctors usually begin with a physical check-up and a few simple tests to see how well your blood is moving through your legs. The goal is to spot any drop in circulation before it leads to serious discomfort or long-term damage.
Tests Doctors Use
Several non-invasive methods help doctors identify PAD and understand how much blood flow is affected:
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI test)
This is one of the most common and reliable tools. It compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. A lower reading in the ankle may suggest PAD. - Doppler ultrasound
This uses sound waves to measure how blood moves through your arteries. It can show if there’s a blockage or if blood is flowing slower than it should. - Simple circulation scans
These can highlight reduced blood flow in the legs and feet and help guide treatment plans. - Vascular check with pulse monitoring
Doctors may also feel for weak or missing pulses in the legs to detect early signs of narrowing arteries.
What the Diagnosis Process Looks Like
Getting diagnosed with peripheral artery disease usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms. If you mention leg pain while walking, cold feet, or slow-healing wounds, the doctor may recommend further testing.
Here’s what the process generally includes:
- Initial consultation
A general review of your health, risk factors, and physical signs of poor circulation. - Basic circulation exam
This includes checking leg temperature, colour changes, or visible signs of reduced blood flow. - ABI test or Doppler scan
Based on your symptoms, the doctor may move forward with one of these tests to measure blood flow more precisely. - Referral to a specialist if needed
If the test results confirm the presence of PAD, you might be referred to a peripheral artery disease specialist for a more detailed treatment plan.
For anyone living in or around Vasai, the Best diagnostic center in Vasai offers early screenings and circulation checks tailored to spot PAD before it becomes a bigger concern. And if you’re in Mumbai, it’s worth knowing that options for peripheral artery disease Treatment in Mumbai are expanding, with experienced clinics like Midas Care Clinic providing patient-focused care and diagnostic support.
What Happens If PAD Is Not Treated?
Ignoring PAD can lead to serious health problems that go far beyond leg pain. When blood flow remains limited for a long time, your muscles and skin may not get enough oxygen to stay healthy. Over time, this can cause damage that’s hard to reverse.
If peripheral artery disease is left untreated, the following risks may develop:
- Pain during rest
What starts as discomfort during walking may turn into pain even while sitting or lying down. - Open wounds and ulcers
Reduced circulation can make it harder for injuries to heal. Even small cuts or blisters may become open sores that don’t close easily. - Skin infections
With limited blood flow, the body struggles to fight infections. Infections may spread faster and become harder to control. - Tissue damage
Areas with poor blood flow can become weak and start to break down. This may lead to dead tissue, also known as gangrene. - Restricted mobility
Daily activities like walking to the market or using stairs may become difficult. People often avoid movement, which can lead to further decline in circulation and muscle strength. - Risk of amputation
In severe cases where tissue damage is advanced, amputation of a toe, foot, or part of the leg may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Catching peripheral artery disease early helps prevent these complications. The sooner you notice signs and act, the more options you have for treatment. With regular check-ups and timely care, many of these long-term problems can be avoided.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It’s easy to brush off early signs of poor circulation, especially when they seem mild or come and go. But with peripheral artery disease, the earlier you take action, the more likely you are to manage it without complications. Knowing when to speak to a medical professional can protect you from more serious issues down the line.
Here are signs that mean it’s time to book an appointment:
- Leg pain that starts during walking and stops when you rest
- Numbness, tingling, or coldness in your feet or toes
- A change in the colour or texture of the skin on your legs
- Cuts or sores that are slow to heal or keep returning
- Weak pulse or no pulse in your legs or feet
If you notice any of these signs, especially more than once, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor who understands how circulation affects the lower body. A peripheral artery disease specialist is the best person to assess your symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and suggest what comes next.
For those in and around the Mumbai region, Midas Care Clinic is a trusted option. Their team provides early screenings, basic circulation tests, and support from experienced specialists who deal with vascular health. Whether you’re just beginning to notice something unusual or already have a diagnosis, they can guide you through the next steps with clarity and care.
Conclusion
Understanding the signs of peripheral artery disease is the first step toward protecting your long-term health. What may start as minor leg discomfort or cold feet can slowly progress if left unnoticed. That’s why it matters to catch the condition early and respond with proper care.
If you’ve experienced symptoms like cramps while walking, slow-healing wounds, or numbness in your feet, it might be time to speak to a professional. The right guidance at the right time can help manage PAD before it affects your day-to-day life.
Reaching out to a peripheral artery disease specialist gives you a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body and what to do next. For those near Mumbai, Midas Care Clinic is a reliable choice for early diagnosis, personalised care, and ongoing support.
Staying informed, acting early, and trusting expert help can make a major difference. If something feels off, don’t wait too long to get it checked.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most common symptom of PAD?
Ans: The most recognised symptom of PAD is leg pain while walking, often in the calves. This pain usually goes away when you rest, but it tends to return with movement. Some people also feel tightness or heaviness after short walks, which may be early signs of peripheral artery disease symptoms.
Q2: Can PAD go away on its own?
Ans: Peripheral artery disease doesn’t typically resolve without treatment. While symptoms can improve with lifestyle changes, the underlying cause often needs medical care. Early steps such as quitting smoking, walking regularly, and managing blood pressure help, but doctor supervision is still important.
Q3: How serious is peripheral artery disease?
Ans: If left untreated, PAD can lead to infections, non-healing wounds, or even tissue damage. In advanced stages, it may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. Seeking early peripheral artery disease treatment can prevent these outcomes and help maintain mobility.
Q4: Is it possible to live a normal life with PAD?
Ans: Yes, with proper care, many people manage PAD and lead active lives. Following medical advice, staying physically active, and getting regular checkups can help keep the condition under control. If you begin treatment early, long-term complications are often avoidable.
Q5: Can PAD affect both legs?
Ans: Yes, it can. While PAD may start in one leg, it often develops on both sides as circulation becomes more limited. However, symptoms can feel stronger in one leg than the other.
Q6: How long does the ankle-brachial test take?
Ans: The ankle-brachial index test usually takes less than 15 minutes. It’s a quick and painless way to measure blood flow and compare pressure in your arms and ankles. It’s often one of the first tests doctors use to confirm PAD.
Q7: Is PAD connected to heart issues?
Ans: Yes, it is. The same plaque that narrows leg arteries in PAD can affect the arteries near your heart. That’s why people with peripheral artery disease often have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke if the condition isn’t addressed.
Q8: Who should I consult for PAD?
Ans: You should visit a specialist for PAD, often a vascular surgeon or a cardiologist familiar with circulation issues. For reliable consultation and early diagnosis, Midas Care Clinic is a dependable option, especially for those seeking a peripheral artery disease specialist in Mumbai or nearby.
Q9: How can I tell if leg pain is from PAD or something else?
Ans: Leg pain from PAD tends to come on with movement and ease off during rest. Pain from muscle strain or joint issues usually behaves differently. If your symptoms follow a pattern or affect your walking distance, it’s best to get tested at the Best diagnostic center in Vasai or a nearby medical provider.
Q10: Is PAD common in India?
Ans: Yes, cases of peripheral artery disease are rising in India, especially among people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or those living a sedentary lifestyle. With growing awareness, more individuals are now seeking early screening and peripheral artery disease treatment, which helps in reducing complications.
