Determining your risk

While up to 20 percent of people older than 65 are affected by peripheral arterial disease, only 33 percent of those people exhibit symptoms, according to the Society of Interventional Radiology. In other words, many people who have PAD don't know it. As a result, they are not making lifestyle changes that could slow the progress of the disease. Because PAD is a predictor of other arterial diseases, patients who miss signs of PAD also are missing warning signs of other vascular diseases that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Your answers to the following questions will help you know if you are at risk for PAD:

Do you have:

• Cardiovascular (heart) problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke?
• Diabetes?
• A family history of diabetes or cardiovascular problems (immediate family such as parent, sister, brother)?
• Aching, cramping or pain in your legs when you walk or exercise that goes away when you rest?
• Pain in your toes or feet at night?
• Any ulcers or sores on your feet or legs that are slow in healing?
• An inactive lifestyle?
• A current or former smoking habit?
• More than 25 pounds in excess weight?
• Fried or fatty foods three times a week or more?

The more questions you answered “yes” to, the more important it is for you to see your doctor. You and your doctor may wish to discuss your responses to this questionnaire.