February 19, 2026

Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Serious? What You Need to Know

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is far more common — and far more serious — than many people realize. Affecting more than 8.5 million adults in the United States, PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet. This narrowing restricts circulation and, over time, can lead to pain, tissue damage, and even limb loss. Despite these risks, PAD often goes undiagnosed because symptoms may be mild at first or mistaken for aging, fatigue, or joint issues.

Dr. Alan I. Benvenisty, a board-certified general and vascular surgeon in New York City, specializes in diagnosing and treating PAD with a range of advanced, limb-saving procedures. With decades of experience and a reputation for successfully managing complex arterial disease, Dr. Benvenisty is a leading resource for patients who want clear answers and effective treatment.

Understanding Why PAD Is Serious

PAD is not simply about poor circulation. It is a progressive vascular disease linked to other life-threatening conditions. Studies show that patients with PAD have a six-times higher risk of cardiovascular death, including heart attack and stroke. Because the underlying cause is usually atherosclerosis — the same process that affects coronary arteries — PAD is often a warning sign of broader vascular disease.

Left untreated, PAD can cause:

• Chronic leg pain and muscle cramping
• Non-healing wounds
• Skin discoloration or temperature changes
• Tissue damage from lack of blood flow
• Gangrene
• Amputation

In fact, PAD is one of the leading causes of preventable amputations in the United States. Early diagnosis is essential because many of these serious complications can be avoided with timely treatment.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

PAD does not always cause obvious discomfort at first, but common symptoms include:

• Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
• Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
• Slow-healing sores on the toes or feet
• Cold or pale lower limbs
• Shiny or thinning skin
• Weak or absent pulses in the legs

If symptoms worsen or wounds fail to heal, patients may face a threat to limb viability — making prompt evaluation critical.

Advanced Treatments for PAD

Dr. Benvenisty utilizes a full spectrum of minimally invasive and surgical options to restore blood flow, relieve symptoms, and protect long-term limb function.

Laser Atherectomy

Laser atherectomy is used to clear plaque blockages within arteries. During this procedure, a catheter is threaded through the vessel until it reaches the obstruction. A focused laser beam vaporizes the plaque, reopening the artery and restoring healthy circulation. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with complex blockages or those who are not candidates for stenting.

Vein Bypass Surgery

When blockages cannot be treated with endovascular procedures alone, bypass surgery may be recommended. Dr. Benvenisty performs:

• Open leg bypass
• Femoral-tibial bypass
• Femoral-popliteal bypass

These surgeries reroute blood flow around diseased segments of the artery, delivering oxygen-rich blood back to the lower extremities.

Limb Salvage Expertise: A Critical Advantage

One of the most serious consequences of PAD is amputation, especially when wounds do not heal due to a lack of blood supply. Dr. Benvenisty is widely known for his expertise in limb salvage bypass surgery, helping patients avoid amputation even in high-risk or advanced cases.

His experience with complex peripheral arterial reconstructions has allowed numerous patients — including many told elsewhere that amputation was their only option — to keep their limbs and return to functional living.

This is why so many patients with PAD and lower extremity arterial disease seek care from Dr. Benvenisty: his unmatched dedication to preserving both limb and quality of life.

Take PAD Seriously — And Take Action

Peripheral artery disease is a progressive condition that should never be ignored. The earlier PAD is diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of avoiding complications like infections, chronic pain, and amputation.

If you have symptoms of PAD or risk factors such as diabetes, smoking history, high cholesterol, or hypertension, now is the time to seek evaluation.

Contact the NYC practice of Dr. Alan Benvenisty today to schedule a vascular assessment and explore advanced treatment options that can restore circulation — and protect your life and limbs.