Our arteries play a major role in sustaining life and proper function is responsible for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells.

One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD affects more than eight million people in the U.S. Individuals with PAD suffer a five-fold increased relative risk of a cardiovascular ischemic event and total morality that is two to three fold greater than those without PAD.

The most important aspect of PAD is that it indicates the presence of atherosclerotic vascular disease. If atherosclerosis also involves the heart or brain arteries then there is a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Patients with PAD may have pain in their legs with walking. Most patients can be managed medically to lower the risks of complications. Some patients will require interventions to improve walking or to prevent limb threatening complications.