Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

What is PAD?

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PAD Leg

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is a common but serious condition that affects the blood vessels in your legs and feet. It happens when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque — a process called atherosclerosis. When blood can’t flow properly, it causes pain, numbness, and even wounds that won’t heal.

PAD is essentially “poor circulation.” Think of your arteries like garden hoses. When debris builds up inside, water can’t flow freely — it trickles instead of streams. Similarly, when your arteries are narrowed, blood struggles to reach your limbs, leading to discomfort and making it harder to stay active or mobile.

In severe cases, PAD can lead to ulcers, infections, and even amputation.

%
of PAD cases go undiagnosed
%
of PAD cases go undiagnosed
x
the increased risk of heart attack and stroke when you have PAD
x
the increased risk of heart attack and stroke when you have PAD
million people worldwide have PAD
million people worldwide have PAD

Common Symptoms of PAD

Many people mistake PAD symptoms for normal aging or other issues. Recognizing the signs early is key.

  • Leg pain when walking (called claudication)
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
  • Lack of growth of your toenails and leg hair
  • Coldness in your lower leg or foot
  • Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
  • A weak pulse in your legs or feet
  • Shiny skin or slower hair growth on your legs

It's Important to Note: About 1 in 4 people with PAD have classic symptoms of pain in their legs during activity. Many people with PAD have no symptoms at all — but the disease is still doing damage.

 

Who's at Risk for Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD can affect anyone, but you may be at higher risk if you:

  • Smoke or used to smoke
  • Have diabetes
  • Are a person of color
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Are over 65 years old
  • Have a family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke
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Serranator is here to help

The Serranator is designed with tiny, serrated strips that apply pressure more effectively than a plain angioplasty balloon. This allows for the artery to open predictably and in a controlled manner, improving blood flow without causing damage. It also helps keep the artery open, reducing the chance it will collapse (recoil) and lowering the need for a stent.

Learn About Serration Technology

Data provided by 

Frame, K. (2024, February 8). New data: 70% of Americans unaware of common vascular disease that is one of the leading causes of amputation. NEW DATA: 70% OF AMERICANS UNAWARE OF COMMON VASCULAR DISEASE THAT IS ONE OF THE LEADING CAUSES OF AMPUTATION | Society for Vascular Surgery. https://vascular.org/news-advocacy/articles-press-releases/new-data-70-americans-unaware-common-vascular-disease-one

Bonaca MP, Hamburg NM, Creager MA. Contemporary medical management of peripheral artery disease. Circ Res 2021;128:1868-84.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Facts about peripheral artery disease (PAD). Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo190128