Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD, or peripheral artery disease, is a serious circulatory condition that affects about 8–12 million people in the United States, usually men who are over the age of 50.
In early stages, PAD may cause pain in the legs during walking, which may subside with rest. Pain, cramping, and numbness or tingling usually occurs in the calf or foot. In advanced stages, peripheral artery disease can result in severe complications.
The most effective way to treat PAD is to recognize and act on early symptoms, according to Charles Kilo, M.D., a member of the P.A.D. Advisory Council of The National Council on the Aging, Inc., Washington, D.C.; Professor of Clinical Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; and Chairman of the Kilo Diabetes & Vascular Research Foundation, St. Louis.
Dr. Kilo explains that a combination of proper diet, exercise, management of other medical conditions, giving up smoking and taking proper medication often can control PAD before it becomes a serious problem.
To evaluate your risk for developing PAD, this PAD quiz has been developed by the P.A.D. Advisory Council.
