What are the risk factors for peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease develops when fatty deposits and inflammation narrow arteries supplying the legs. Nicotine damages blood-vessel lining and encourages narrowing. Type 2 diabetes can affect vessels and nerves, while high cholesterol and high blood pressure add strain to artery walls. Age, family history, kidney disease and a previous heart or blood-vessel problem can also raise risk. Reduced blood flow may cause calf, thigh or buttock aching during walking that eases with rest, but some people have no early symptoms.

Arrange a cardiovascular risk review if you smoke or use nicotine, have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or notice walking-related leg pain. Support for stopping nicotine, regular activity suited to your health, balanced meals and careful control of diabetes and blood pressure can protect circulation. Check feet regularly for blisters, colour changes or wounds, especially if sensation is reduced. A clinician may compare pulses and blood pressures in the arms and ankles or arrange further testing.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe leg pain, a cold or pale foot, new numbness or weakness, or a wound that becomes black, swollen, very painful or infected. Arrange prompt medical review for recurring exertional leg pain, pain at rest, or a sore that is not healing. These signs can indicate seriously reduced blood flow.

Could my walking pain be caused by reduced circulation? How do diabetes, cholesterol or blood pressure affect my risk? Which exercise is safe for me? How should I protect and check my feet?