• Disease Information
  • Peripheral artery disease is a collator for all diseases caused by the obstruction of large peripheral arteries, which can result from atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes leading to stenosis, an embolism or thrombus formation. It causes either acute or chronic ischemia (lack of blood supply), typically of the legs.
  • Other common terms: PAD, Peripheral vascular disease, PVD, peripheral artery occlusive disease, PAOD


• Statistics
  • PAD is considered a leading indicator for those at risk of stroke and heart disease. (Source: Women and Vascular Disease. Society for Interventional Radiology)
  • PAD prevalence is similar among women and men. (Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2008 Update. American Heart Association)
  • Two-thirds of people with PAD do not experience symptoms. Women are less likely to have symptoms than men. (Source: Women and Vascular Disease. Society for Interventional Radiology)
  • PAD affects more than 8 million Americans and causes significant morbidity and mortality. (Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2008 Update. American Heart Association)
  • Only 10% of people with PAD have the classic symptoms of intermittent leg pain. (Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2008 Update. American Heart Association)
  • Women with PAD have four times the risk of heart attack and stroke. (Source: Women and Vascular Disease. Society for Interventional Radiology)
  • Additional Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD Statistics
  • Full Medical Bibliography on Ankle Brachial Index for Peripheral Artery Disease


• Warning Signs
  • Like most cardiovascular diseases, peripheral artery disease is considered a “silent killer.” PAD develops over time and is best prevented through early identification of risk. Those that do experience warning signs of peripheral artery disease often experience one or more of the following:
  • Pain during exercise, which is relieved during rest
  • Cold legs
  • Poor wound healing
  • Constant leg pain
  • Tingling, burning or loss of sensation


• Peripheral artery disease Risk Factors
• Controllable Risk Factors:
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight
  • Lack of exercise and physical activity
• Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
  • Age: those over 50 are at greatest risk
  • Family history: risk of peripheral artery disease is greater if a parent or sibling has had PAD

For more information on PAD or peripheral artery disease, or to request a press kit, please contact our Director of Communications by phone at 1-800-555-9190 or by email at PR@HealthYes.com.