PAD Questions to Ask Your Doctor
It’s important to talk with your health care professional about peripheral artery disease (PAD). Share your family health history, including PAD, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Let them know if you have ever smoked.
PAD is sometimes missed or mistaken for other problems. You may need to speak up about leg or blood flow concerns or ask to see a vascular specialist.
Before your appointment:
- Know your symptoms and your family’s health history
- Learn as much as you can about your condition
- Choose questions to ask your health care professional
You can also use this PAD Discussion Guide (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) to help you get the most out of your appointment.
Here are some questions to consider:
About living with PAD:
What’s the likelihood my symptoms will get better or worse? What might progression look like?
Can changing my eating habits help? Should I see a dietitian? Which other lifestyle changes should I consider?
Can medication improve my condition?
If I have diabetes, do I need to monitor my blood sugar more often to protect my vascular system? Do I need to see an endocrinologist?
What should I do if I have new symptoms or complications not covered in our discussion?
Are there other conditions that could worsen or be related to PAD that I should be aware of?
How often should I visit a health care professional to check on my condition? Do I need to see a vascular specialist or surgeon? What’s the difference?
How can I manage PAD along with any other chronic conditions I have, such as diabetes and high blood pressure?
Which danger signs mean I should call a health care professional right away?
Are there tests or imaging procedures I need to check the progression of my PAD?
Can a walking program stop my PAD from progressing?
About treatment:
What are the best treatment options for me, such as exercise, diet and not smoking or using tobacco?
What are the differences between surgical and nonsurgical options?
If surgery is recommended, how long will its effects last?
How will I know when I need more advanced care or treatment? What will I be looking for? Do I need other arteries checked?
Which medications are used to treat PAD?
Can treatment “cure” my PAD?
What happens if symptoms, such as pain at rest, return?
Print our PAD symptom checker (PDF) | Spanish (PDF), complete it and bring it with you.
