Awareness of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is low among those at greatest risk for developing the condition, according to the American Heart Association. Only 26 percent of adults age 50 and older are familiar with PAD or know that it becomes more common with age.

PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most common in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. It happens when fatty deposits build up in arteries outside the heart, usually those supplying fresh oxygen and blood to the arms, legs, and feet. The most common symptoms of PAD are cramping, pain, or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. The pain usually goes away with rest and returns when you walk again.

Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else. It often goes undiagnosed by health care professionals, although it affects about eight million people.

Key risk factors for PAD include cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

For information and tools about peripheral artery disease and how to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, visit www.heart.org/pad. Also watch The Best Times for PAD screenings by the Johnson County Health Department.