Everyone over age 50 is at risk for P.A.D., and your risk increases if you:Smoke, or used to smoke Have diabetes Have high blood pressure Have abnormal blood cholesterol Are African American Have a personal history of coronary heart disease or stroke

The screening test for P.A.D. is called the ankle-brachial index, a painless, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankles with the blood pressure in the arms. National medical guidelines recommend that certain individuals be tested for P.A.D., including:Adults under 50 years of age with diabetes and at least one other risk factor such as a history of smoking, abnormal cholesterol or high blood pressureAdults aged 50 years or older with diabetes or a history of smokingAdults aged 70 years or olderAdults with one or more symptoms of P.A.D.

If you fit into any of the above groups, talk to your health care provider about being tested for P.A.D. For a free "Heart and Sole Kit" with more information on P.A.D., please visit www.padcoalition or call 866.PAD (866.723.4636).

SOURCE Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition and Vascular Disease Foundation