4. Pain or cramping in the legs
Discomfort while walking, often felt as cramping or heaviness in the legs, is a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This happens when leg arteries are narrowed and can’t supply enough oxygen during activity.
The pain typically subsides with rest but may worsen over time. The specific location of the pain—calves, thighs, or buttocks—can reveal where the blockage is. PAD is also a sign of widespread atherosclerosis, including in the heart and brain.
