Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common health condition affecting around 6.5 million people older than 40 in the United States. It develops when arteries in the limbs become narrowed or blocked, which is usually due to a build-up of fatty, cholesterol plaque deposits inside the arteries. This prevents blood from flowing properly and can cause tissue damage in affected limbs. PAD most often affects arteries in the legs. For the majority of people, PAD does not cause any symptoms. However, in severe cases, PAD can cause uncomfortable symptoms that impair a person's quality of life