Understanding Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a significant vascular condition that increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. It often goes undiagnosed and undertreated, with patients frequently presenting with symptoms like claudication but failing to recognize the severity of their condition. A majority of patients may not exhibit classic symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis as other lower extremity pain sources such as neuropathy or arthritis. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially internists, to understand PAD's implications and actively inquire about symptoms in at-risk populations, particularly those over 50 or with risk factors such as diabetes and smoking.