If you suspect you may have PAD, it is important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Your healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination and may order tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm, or a Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the blood flow in your legs.

Treatment for PAD typically involves lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Medications may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels, and help to prevent blood clots.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove plaque from the affected arteries. This can be done through angioplasty, in which a small balloon is inserted into the artery to open it up and a stent is placed to keep it open, or through bypass surgery, in which a healthy blood vessel is used to bypass the blocked artery.