5. Leg pain at rest or leg weakness
Advanced PAD brings burning/rest pain in feet/toes even when lying down (worse at night), or leg fatigue/weakness that makes walking unstable. Legs may feel heavy or “give out.”
Heart danger: Rest pain means critical blockages; PAD patients have 5x higher heart attack risk and poor outcomes if untreated. Cleveland Clinic notes this stage demands immediate intervention to prevent amputation and cardiac events.
Why PAD circulation problems signal heart trouble
PAD affects 8-12 million US adults, but 50% have no leg symptoms – yet all share atherosclerosis with heart disease. Narrowed leg arteries mean narrowed heart arteries; PAD raises:
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Heart attack risk 2-4x.
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Stroke risk 2-3x.
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Overall cardiovascular death 3-6x.
Risk factors overlap: smoking, diabetes, high BP/cholesterol, age >60.
What to do if you notice these signs
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See a doctor promptly for ankle-brachial index (ABI) test (simple blood pressure comparison).
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Quit smoking, control diabetes/BP/cholesterol, exercise (supervised walking).
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Medications (statins, antiplatelets) or procedures (angioplasty) if confirmed.
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Daily foot checks; never ignore wounds.
Early PAD treatment cuts heart events by 20-50%. Don’t ignore leg symptoms – they’re your heart’s warning system.
