Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening Can Save Lives by Detecting Circulation Problems Early
Have you ever had any unexplained heaviness or cramping in your legs while walking? Start to feel like your feet are especially cold, or cuts on your legs take longer to heal. These subtle signs might be the body’s quiet warning about something much worse, which it calls Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
According to research published in 2025 by UC San Diego Health, millions of adults are suffering from this secret ailment. Most of them attribute their symptoms to aging, overexertion, or something along those lines. But, unfortunately, all without screening and early diagnosis. PAD can silently lead to calamitous ends, such as heart attacks, strokes, or amputations.
The best defense? Simple and non-invasive early detection as screening. It is an age-old truth that the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of saving life and limb.
It is Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Peripheral Arterial Disease occurs when arteries that convey blood to your arms and legs narrow under the buildup of plaque blocking blood supply. Although PAD mostly affects the legs, it largely indicates a bigger problem in the form of worldwide arteriosclerosis disease.
Most symptoms of PAD are:
Leg cramps with or pain while walking (claudication).
Cold feet or toes.
Slow-healing stretch marks on feet or legs.
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs.
Shiny skin or loss of hair on legs and feet.
The vast majority of people suffer from these signs, but they don’t realize it until much too late. So, this is where screening becomes important.
Screening Early For PAD
It doesn’t stop by being a wise decision. It often is a decision that would save a life. Early detection really matters for the following reasons:
• Early notification – to keep away complications;
Early detection informs lifestyle changes, as well as treatments so that progression to critical limb ischemia-the condition-precedent to very painful ulcers, gangrene, and even amputation-does not occur.
• Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
According to the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (2025), people suffering from PAD have two to three times the cardiovascular death risk.
• Mobility and Independence
Early treatment can restore healthy circulation enabling patients to be functional, moving freely, and independent enough to avoid disabilitation from severe PAD.
• Changes in long-term health care cost
Testing is pretty cheap and uncomplicated, compared to the extreme medical expenses that late-stage PAD requires in terms of surgical interventions, hospitalizations, or long-term wound care.
• Peace of mind, brings into clarity and confidence, and allows one to take proactive steps toward a healthier, longer life.
Who Should Be Screened for PAD?
Screening is not for those who already have symptoms.
You should think seriously about getting screened for PAD if you:
The main device for detecting PAD is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)– a straight forward, non-invasive test comparing blood pressure readings in your arms and ankles.
A Painless Test Today Prevents Life-Altering Consequences Tomorrow.
Real People, Real Stories Why They Got Screened
John M. 62 Retired Firefighter
“I thought it was just age catching up to me since my legs would cramp going up the stairs. A PAD screening said my arteries were almost shut. Early treatment saved mobility — maybe even life.”
Linda S., 58 – Teacher and Grandmother
“I signed up for a health fair screening, and it turned out my diabetes was causing me to have PAD. Early detection helped me avoid surgery and gave me time to reverse the damage.”
Carlos R., 65 – Mechanic
“My biggest mistake was ignoring the numbness in my feet. Thanks to my wife bugging me for testing, I caught my PAD at an early stage. Thus, both legs are still intact today.”
In this simple but life-changing decision, each one had to listen to their body and take action early.
Old Wisdom Still Stands True
Prevention is always better than cure, a phrase that has held value in medicine from ages immemorial. Peripheral Arterial Disease screening is one example of how even in the best of modern healthcare, some truths stand the test of time.
Prevention isn’t only about catching a disease; it also refers to maintaining independence, mobility, and those precious extra years ahead. It means valuing life enough to protect it.
Health is a Thing to Protect: Make the First Step toward Doing So
If you are over 50 or have risk factors, don’t wait until you start having symptoms to get tested.
Talk to your healthcare provider, local screening service, or attend a community health fair to schedule your Peripheral Arterial Disease screening.
This simple test could change – or even save – your life.
References:
UC San Diego Health (2025). Prevalence and Impact of Peripheral Artery Disease Worldwide.
European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (2025). PAD and Cardiovascular Risk: Global Analysis.
American Heart Association (2024). Peripheral Artery Disease and Stroke Risk Connection.
Life Line Screening (2025). Impacts of Early Detection on Vascular Health.
Final Encouragement:
Most importantly, screen early, act wisely, and live better. Preserve your ability to move freely, live fully, and ag age with strength.