PAD is the narrowing of arteries—most commonly in the legs—due to plaque buildup, leading to poor blood flow and symptoms like leg pain, foot ulcers, and cold, bluish skin. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, and family history.

PAD is often identified through an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm. Additional imaging like ultrasound or angiography may follow. You should consult a provider if you experience leg pain with walking (claudication), non-healing sores, or unusual skin changes.

Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes (like smoking cessation and exercise), medications (e.g., statins, antiplatelets), supervised walking programs, and when needed, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.

Interventional cardiology employs catheter-based, minimally invasive techniques—such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement—to restore blood flow in narrowed arteries, reducing risks of amputation and severe complications.

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, commonly appearing in the legs. Symptoms include leg heaviness, swelling, ache, visible bulging veins, and sometimes skin ulcers.

Effective options include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses heat to close veins; endovenous laser treatment (EVLT/ELT), which uses laser energy; and sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution to shrink the veins.

At-home measures include elevating your legs, wearing graduated compression stockings, and engaging in light exercise. Use of anti-inflammatory medications can help in certain cases, though professional evaluation is important—especially if PAD is a concern.

PAD is more common and under-treated than many people realize. Estimates suggest it affects over 10 million Americans, with high rates of complications like limb amputation and mortality when not addressed early. Timely diagnosis and intervention can dramatically improve outcomes.