Mayo Clinic Talks Vascular Medicine Series: Peripheral Arterial Disease
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Sep 11, 2025 Stan Henkin, a vascular medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, dives into the complexities of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), particularly its prevalence among the aging population. He discusses the challenges of early diagnosis and highlights how symptoms can be misleading. Risk factors and management strategies, including lifestyle changes and medication, are emphasized as critical for improving outcomes. The conversation sheds light on unique considerations for diabetic patients, accentuating the need for timely interventions and thorough examinations.
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PAD Is Common And Underdiagnosed
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects roughly 10–12 million U.S. adults over age 40 and is likely underdiagnosed.
- Lack of routine screening and symptom overlap with arthritis and spinal stenosis contribute to under-recognition.
Let Patients Describe Leg Symptoms
- Let patients describe their leg symptoms without leading questions to capture varied pain descriptions.
- Look for walking-triggered pain that improves with rest, even if it feels like burning, pressure, or tightness.
Ask About Prolonged Standing
- Differentiate spinal stenosis from vascular claudication by asking about prolonged standing rather than only leaning on a cart.
- Standing makes spinal stenosis worse, while peripheral arterial disease usually is unchanged by standing.