Peripheral Arterial Disease
Narrowing of the arteries to the legs, reducing blood flow and causing leg pain when walking.
Quick Summary
Cramping pain in the calves when walking that eases with rest, cold feet, weak pulses, slow-healing foot sores.
Stopping smoking, walking exercise, statins and antiplatelet medicines, and procedures to restore blood flow.
Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and older age.
Overview
The same fatty build-up that causes heart disease narrows leg arteries.
People with PAD have a high risk of heart attack and stroke, so treating risk factors matters.
Symptoms
Leg pain on walking
Claudication.
Cold feet
Pale or bluish skin.
Slow-healing sores
On toes or feet.
Critical ischaemia
Pain at rest or black toes: urgent care.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Atherosclerosis narrowing the leg arteries.
Key Risk Factors
- Smoking The strongest risk factor.
- Diabetes Greatly increases risk.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol Contribute.
Management & Treatment
01. Stop smoking
Essential.
02. Walking programme
Improves walking distance.
03. Medicines and procedures
Statins, antiplatelets, angioplasty or bypass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it related to heart disease?
How is it diagnosed?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)(opens in a new tab) · NHS