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Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

A person may not have symptoms when PAD first starts. It is a disease that gets worse over time. It may lead to:

This is the most common symptom. Claudication is pain in the thigh, hip, calf, or foot. It may happen when walking, using stairs, or exercising. It may cause cramping or limping. A person may also feel heavy, weak, or tired. Symptoms often start after walking for a short time and end after resting for the same amount of time.

In people who have symptoms, PAD may cause:

Intermittent Claudication

References

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD). American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease. Accessed March 24, 2022.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/PAD.htm. Accessed March 24, 2022.
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of lower extremities. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peripheral-artery-disease-pad-of-lower-extremities. Accessed March 24, 2022.
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of upper extremities. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peripheral-artery-disease-pad-of-upper-extremities. Accessed March 24, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2021-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.