What raises the risk of PAD?

A leg symptom has you wondering whether PAD could apply to you, and what in your own background would make that more likely.

What the source names

www.nhlbi.nih.gov says you may have a higher risk of lower extremity PAD because of your age, family history and genetics.

Which of those you can check today

Age you already know. Family history is the one to look into, and you can do it before any appointment by asking relatives about circulation problems and writing down what they tell you.

Overviews that explain the wider condition

For wider background, try the vascular disease overview and the overview of peripheral artery disease. MedlinePlus also carries an encyclopedia entry on plethysmography.

What to ask a clinician

A risk list is a reason to ask, not a diagnosis. Ask the clinician how your age and family history change what they check in your legs, and what a test would tell you before you agree to one.