What is a common indicator of peripheral artery disease?

Leg pain during exertion, known as claudication, is a hallmark symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This occurs due to narrowed or blocked arteries, often from atherosclerosis, which reduces blood flow to the limbs during physical activity. As a result, individuals may experience pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs when walking or exercising, which typically resolves with rest. This symptom is a direct indicator of the underlying issue of poor circulation due to arterial narrowing.

In contrast, elevation of blood pressure is not specifically indicative of PAD but can be associated with broader cardiovascular issues. Rapid heart rate at rest may indicate various conditions, including anxiety or other cardiac problems, but does not specifically denote PAD. Likewise, frequent headaches are not typically connected to PAD and can arise from numerous other conditions, making them irrelevant to this specific vascular disease. The presence of leg pain during exertion, however, serves as a significant and recognizable indicator of peripheral artery disease.