patientsUnderstanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), you're not alone. Millions of people live with PAD, and today, there are more treatment options than ever to help restore blood flow, relieve symptoms, and protect your limbs.
What is PAD?
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.
The Quick Facts:
In severe cases, PAD can lead to ulcers, infections, and even amputation
70% of people are not familiar with what PAD is
200 million adults worldwide have PAD
8 – 10 million adults in the US have PAD
11% of PAD patients are likely to develop Critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).
25% of patients with CLTI require limb amputations within 1 year of diagnosis.
71% of patients with a lower-extremity amputation have a 3-year mortality risk.
Common Symptoms of PAD:
Many people mistake PAD symptoms for normal aging or other issues. Recognizing the signs early is key.
Pain, aches, or cramps when walking
(called claudication)
Coldness in your lower leg or foot
Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
Lack of growth of your toenails and leg hair
A weak pulse in your legs or feet
Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
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 or chronic kidney disease
Are a person of color
Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Are over 65 years old
Have atherosclerosis
Have a family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke
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 More
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
Creager MA, Matsushita K, Arya S, et al. Reducing nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations by 20% by 2030: time to get to our feet: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2021;143:e875-e891. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000967
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About peripheral arterial disease (PAD). CDC. Updated May 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/peripheral-arterial-disease.html