How PAD Symptoms Increase Heart Attack & Stroke Risk

Heart Risks Due to PAD? 

Learn how PAD Increases Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is often misunderstood as a condition affecting only the legs. In reality, it is a systemic vascular disease that significantly increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Many patients overlook early PAD symptoms, not realizing they are warning signs of widespread arterial disease.

What Is PAD?

PAD occurs when plaque builds up in arteries, restricting blood flow.

These blockages don’t just affect your legs — they often signal disease throughout your entire cardiovascular system.

The Systemic Nature of PAD

PAD is caused by atherosclerosis — the same process that leads to heart attacks and strokes.

If PAD is present:

• Plaque likely exists in heart arteries
  
• Blood flow to the brain may also be affected
  

Early PAD symptoms are often the first sign of this systemic condition.

Heart Risks Due to PAD: How it increases risks

When arteries supplying the heart become blocked:

• Oxygen supply decreases
  
• Blood flow is restricted
  
• Risk of clot formation increases
  

Patients with PAD symptoms are at significantly higher risk of heart attack.

How PAD Increases Stroke Risk

PAD also increases stroke risk by:

• Narrowing arteries to the brain
  
• Increasing likelihood of blood clots
  
• Reducing oxygen supply
  

Ignoring PAD symptoms can allow these risks to progress silently.

Key Statistics

• PAD increases heart attack risk by 2–6x
  
• Stroke risk is significantly elevated
  
• Many patients have undiagnosed cardiovascular disease