What is peripheral artery disease?

Causes of peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease is most often caused by atherosclerosis, a process where fatty deposits (plaque) build up along the walls of the arteries. Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow to your limbs. Although it can occur anywhere in the body, PAD often affects circulation to the legs and feet.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing PAD, including:

• Smoking or tobacco use — the leading preventable cause of PAD
• High cholesterol, which contributes to plaque buildup
• High blood pressure, which damages artery walls
• Diabetes, which affects circulation and blood vessel health
• Obesity or physical inactivity
• Older age, especially 65 and older
• Family history of heart or vascular disease

PAD can develop slowly, so you may not notice symptoms at first. Knowing your risk can help you take steps to protect your vascular health.

Signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease

Symptoms of PAD can range from mild to severe and may come on gradually. Paying attention to how your legs feel — especially during activity — can help you catch the condition early.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Leg pain or cramping during activity (often called claudication), which typically improves with rest
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both legs
• Coldness in the lower legs or feet, especially when compared to the other side
• Skin changes, such as pale, shiny skin or decreased hair growth
• Slow-healing wounds or sores on the feet or toes
• A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs
• Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet

Some people with PAD don’t notice symptoms at all — especially in the early stages. If something about your legs doesn’t feel right, checking in with a healthcare provider can help you get answers sooner.

When to call a doctor

Reach out to a healthcare provider if you notice new or worsening symptoms such as leg pain during activity, coldness in the feet or wounds that are slow to heal. PAD is more easily treatable in its early stages, and prompt care can prevent infections, mobility issues and cardiovascular complications.

Call a doctor if you experience:

• Leg pain or heaviness with activity
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Coldness or temperature changes in the feet
• Slow-healing sores or changes in skin color
• Sudden changes in your ability to walk

Seek immediate medical attention for:

• Severe, persistent leg pain
• A cold, pale or blue foot or toe
• Signs of infection in a foot wound
• Sudden loss of sensation or movement
• Rapidly worsening symptoms, which may signal critical limb ischemia

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of smoking may benefit from routine vascular screenings — even without symptoms.

Complications of untreated PAD

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, PAD can significantly impact your long-term health. Reduced blood flow affects the body in multiple ways, and complications may progress from mild discomfort to limb-threatening emergencies.

• Heart attack and stroke: PAD is a sign of systemic atherosclerosis, meaning the fatty deposits that narrow the arteries in the legs may also be present in the arteries supplying blood to the heart and brain. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Mobility issues: Reduced blood flow in the legs can lead to pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk or perform daily activities. Over time, PAD can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
• Poor wound healing: PAD reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the legs and feet, which can slow the healing of cuts, sores or ulcers. Untreated wounds can become infected, increasing the risk of severe complications.
• Limb loss: In advanced cases of PAD, severe blockages and poor circulation can lead to tissue death. This condition, known as critical limb ischemia, may result in the need for amputation if not treated promptly.

Catching PAD early can make a big difference in how you feel and how well you stay active. If you’re worried about symptoms or just want to understand your risks, the team at Mount Nittany Health is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and support you every step of the way.

Diagnosing peripheral artery disease

Diagnosing peripheral artery disease typically begins with a detailed medical history and a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, discuss any risk factors and check the pulses in your legs and feet. If PAD is suspected, several tests can help confirm the diagnosis and determine how much blood flow is affected.

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): The ABI is a quick, noninvasive test that compares the blood pressure in your ankles to the blood pressure in your arms. Lower pressure in the ankles suggests reduced circulation, which is a key indicator of PAD.
• Doppler ultrasound: This noninvasive imaging test uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your legs. Doppler ultrasound can show areas of narrowing or blockage and helps your provider assess the severity of PAD.
• Angiography (CT, MR, or catheter-based): When more detailed information is needed, your provider may recommend angiography. During this test, a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels, and imaging — such as X-ray, CT or MRI — is used to create precise maps of the arteries. Angiography helps pinpoint the exact location and extent of blockages.

These test results help guide a personalized treatment plan focused on improving circulation and protecting your long-term health.

Treatments for peripheral artery disease

Treatment for peripheral artery disease focuses on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of serious complications. Depending on the severity of the condition, your healthcare provider may recommend one or a combination of the following approaches:

• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, staying active and following a heart-healthy diet can significantly improve circulation and slow disease progression.
• Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs or blood pressure and blood sugar management may be recommended.
• Minimally invasive or surgical procedures: Options include angioplasty to widen a narrowed artery or bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around a blockage.

Your Mount Nittany Health vascular team will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and supports your overall well-being.

Vascular care locations in Central Pa.

Mount Nittany Health offers convenient vein and vascular care throughout Central Pennsylvania, so you can access expert treatment close to home. Our locations feature advanced imaging, modern facilities and coordinated care teams to make every visit seamless and efficient.

Meet our heart and vascular doctors

Our vascular specialists provide compassionate, expert care for a wide range of vascular conditions. With extensive training in minimally invasive treatments, they work closely with you to understand your symptoms, explain your options and create a personalized plan to support long-term vascular health.