Peripheral Artery Disease or Peripheral Arterial Disease also known as PAD occurs when there is a build up of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries of the lower extremities, causing decreased blood flow to the legs and feet.

The highest risk group for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or are people over the age of 70 and people over the age of 50 with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking.

The signs and symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease include pain in the legs brought on by walking and relieved with rest, pain the the legs at rest due to poor circulation, poorly healing wound(s) on lower extremity, injury to lower limb or foot involving blood vessels and discoloration of toes and feet.

PAD affects more than 8 million Americans and causes significant morbidity and mortality. (Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2008 Update. American Heart Association)

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)

Women with PAD have four times the risk of heart attack and stroke. (Source: Women and Vascular Disease. Society for Interventional Radiology)