Lower-extremity PAD affects about 8 million Americans. The presence of hardened arteries in the legs makes it more likely these people will have hardened and narrowed arteries leading to the heart and brain. People who have received a peripheral artery disease diagnosis are at high risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
When blood flow to the legs is severely reduced, people with PAD may experience pain when walking. PAD also can cause other complications that can lead to amputation.