Cholesterol can clog the heart’s blood vessels, but it can also affect the legs, leading to peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Up to 12 million people in the U.S. have PAD, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, says David Slovut, MD, director of advanced interventional therapy at Montefiore Medical Center.
After five years, 20% of people with PAD will have had a nonfatal heart attack. Check out 10 signs you could have PAD. The good news? It’s treatable.