Women's Health in the News
Health Tip: Calf Pain Could Signal Cardiovascular Trouble
Monday, June 12, 2006
Peripheral artery disease often starts in the legs
(HealthDay News) -- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which damaged arteries reduce blood flow to the body's muscles.
A common symptom of PAD is pain in the calf or thigh while walking short distances, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you have leg pain related to PAD, it will usually go away shortly after you stop -- but will return again if you resume walking. If the pain recurs, it will typically go away in about the same amount of time each time you stop walking.
People with PAD feel this pain because enough blood isn't flowing to the muscle when it's being used. When the body is at rest, the muscle receives enough blood -- and the pain stops.
Those most at risk for PAD are people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, those who smoke, and older people. You should talk to your doctor if you notice recurring leg pain while walking that goes away when you are at rest.
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