Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Ignored Symptoms Of This Heart Condition In Your Leg May Double Your Risk 0f Death, New Study Finds

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains one of the most underdiagnosed and deadly types of heart disease, quietly striking millions in disguise as nebulous, unrelated symptoms. With its near-epidemic prevalence—hitting over 10 million Americans aged 40 and above—it often escapes detection until it is too late. A recent paper presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session has revealed stark underdiagnosis and undertreatment rates, particularly in women, who statistically stand a lower chance of receiving guideline-directed care than men.

PAD is more than a leg ailment—it's a cardiovascular warning sign that cries out for prompt action. With a disease impacting millions and a 50% death rate at its later stages, the lack of treatment and awareness is preventable and tragic. The Intermountain Health study must act as an awakening to healthcare practitioners, patients, and policymakers. 

<h2>What is Peripheral Artery Disease?</h2>

PAD develops when arteries supplying blood to the limbs, typically the legs, become blocked or narrow from fatty deposits or plaque buildup. This reduces oxygen and blood delivery to the muscles, causing chronic pain, tissue loss, and amputation in severe cases. While the disorder might seem identical to coronary artery disease (involving the heart's arteries), PAD hits the peripheral circulation and has its own unique range of life-threatening and life-altering outcomes.

The British Heart Foundation calculates that around one in five people aged over 60 have some level of PAD. In the most severe cases, around 10% of patients with PAD develop critical limb ischaemia—a condition that results in ongoing pain, ulcers, and gangrene. Alarmingly, those suffering from this severe condition have a 50% five-year mortality.

One of the key problems pointed out by the Intermountain Health study is the simple fact that PAD is so hard to detect early. In contrast to heart attacks or strokes with more obvious signs, PAD signs tend to be insidious or confused with usual signs of aging or poor circulation.

A signature symptom is intermittent claudication—a crampy pain that occurs with activity such as walking or climbing stairs, especially in one leg, and resolves with rest. The name, based on the Latin for "limp," is not a name most patients—and even primary care physicians—quickly equate with a vascular disorder.

Other symptoms are numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, feeling of cold in the extremities, pale or discolored skin, swollen veins, and the formation of slow-healing sores or ulcers. Since these symptoms can be confused with other ailments, PAD usually goes undetected until irreparable damage has been done.

Arguably the most troubling finding of the Intermountain study was the gender disparity in treatment for PAD. Even when they have the same or even greater risk, fewer than 30% of women with PAD are treated with the appropriate guideline-recommended therapies, versus around 33% of men. All patients with PAD should receive antiplatelet therapy and statins as a matter of course, but only a third do.

"Each and every one of these individuals ought to have at least been treated with antiplatelet therapy and statin. But only roughly a third of them were," added Viet Le, lead author of the study and associate professor of cardiovascular research. "This reflects the need to improve techniques to detect and treat peripheral artery disease."

The attention of the medical community has been to treat and prevent strokes as well as coronary heart disease, with PAD remaining a blind area. Doctors might not screen for PAD unless the patient has severe symptoms or cardiovascular risks. This systemic lack of attention has resulted in lost chances for early treatment, particularly among individuals aged above 60 or with diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking history.

While PAD is not curable, it can be controlled effectively if detected at an early stage. Treatment strategies focus on slowing down progression, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing quality of life. This may involve:

<ul><li>Lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, following a heart-healthy diet, and participating in regular supervised exercise.</li><li>Medications, which include blood thinners (antiplatelets), statins, and drugs that enhance blood flow.</li><li>Surgical procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, for more advanced stages.</li></ul>

Education and awareness are the answer. Screening high-risk populations, discussing symptoms openly, and encouraging early detection could dramatically cut the disease's yield.

It's time to shine a light on PAD—on behalf of not only those already afflicted but on behalf of the millions who may never know they have it until it is too late.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

heart health

peripheral artery disease symptoms

silent signs of deadly heart disease revealed

women with pad less likely to get treatment

pad increases amputation risk

why pad is underdiagnosed

intermittent claudication decoded

ORS For Schoolchildren, Cool Roofs, Misting Systems: Here's All About Delhi’s Heatwave Action Plan 2026

World Immunization Week 2026: For Every Generation, Vaccines Work

Ibogaine: Why Trump Is Pushing US FDA To Fast-track This Psychedelic

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains one of the most underdiagnosed and deadly types of heart disease, quietly striking millions in disguise as nebulous, unrelated symptoms. With its near-epidemic prevalence—hitting over 10 million Americans aged 40 and above—it often escapes detection until it is too late. A recent paper presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session has revealed stark underdiagnosis and undertreatment rates, particularly in women, who statistically stand a lower chance of receiving guideline-directed care than men.PAD is more than a leg ailment—it's a cardiovascular warning sign that cries out for prompt action. With a disease impacting millions and a 50% death rate at its later stages, the lack of treatment and awareness is preventable and tragic. The Intermountain Health study must act as an awakening to healthcare practitioners, patients, and policymakers. What is Peripheral Artery Disease?PAD develops when arteries supplying blood to the limbs, typically the legs, become blocked or narrow from fatty deposits or plaque buildup. This reduces oxygen and blood delivery to the muscles, causing chronic pain, tissue loss, and amputation in severe cases. While the disorder might seem identical to coronary artery disease (involving the heart's arteries), PAD hits the peripheral circulation and has its own unique range of life-threatening and life-altering outcomes.The British Heart Foundation calculates that around one in five people aged over 60 have some level of PAD. In the most severe cases, around 10% of patients with PAD develop critical limb ischaemia—a condition that results in ongoing pain, ulcers, and gangrene. Alarmingly, those suffering from this severe condition have a 50% five-year mortality.Why is PAD Often Misdiagnosed?One of the key problems pointed out by the Intermountain Health study is the simple fact that PAD is so hard to detect early. In contrast to heart attacks or strokes with more obvious signs, PAD signs tend to be insidious or confused with usual signs of aging or poor circulation.A signature symptom is intermittent claudication—a crampy pain that occurs with activity such as walking or climbing stairs, especially in one leg, and resolves with rest. The name, based on the Latin for "limp," is not a name most patients—and even primary care physicians—quickly equate with a vascular disorder.Other symptoms are numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, feeling of cold in the extremities, pale or discolored skin, swollen veins, and the formation of slow-healing sores or ulcers. Since these symptoms can be confused with other ailments, PAD usually goes undetected until irreparable damage has been done.Gender Disparity in TreatmentArguably the most troubling finding of the Intermountain study was the gender disparity in treatment for PAD. Even when they have the same or even greater risk, fewer than 30% of women with PAD are treated with the appropriate guideline-recommended therapies, versus around 33% of men. All patients with PAD should receive antiplatelet therapy and statins as a matter of course, but only a third do."Each and every one of these individuals ought to have at least been treated with antiplatelet therapy and statin. But only roughly a third of them were," added Viet Le, lead author of the study and associate professor of cardiovascular research. "This reflects the need to improve techniques to detect and treat peripheral artery disease."The attention of the medical community has been to treat and prevent strokes as well as coronary heart disease, with PAD remaining a blind area. Doctors might not screen for PAD unless the patient has severe symptoms or cardiovascular risks. This systemic lack of attention has resulted in lost chances for early treatment, particularly among individuals aged above 60 or with diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking history.How to Treat PAD?While PAD is not curable, it can be controlled effectively if detected at an early stage. Treatment strategies focus on slowing down progression, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing quality of life. This may involve:Lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, following a heart-healthy diet, and participating in regular supervised exercise.Medications, which include blood thinners (antiplatelets), statins, and drugs that enhance blood flow.Surgical procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, for more advanced stages.Education and awareness are the answer. Screening high-risk populations, discussing symptoms openly, and encouraging early detection could dramatically cut the disease's yield.It's time to shine a light on PAD—on behalf of not only those already afflicted but on behalf of the millions who may never know they have it until it is too late.