Does anyone have any experience with PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)? I am concerned that I might have it.

I am a male, 30, 5'7", 234lbs. Currently, I have my blood pressure under control with medication (Diovan HCT). I exercise at least 3-4 times a week and eat accordingly for someone with hypertension.

However, when I exercise on the treadmill, I notice that my legs get fairly tight and heavy feeling. No pain. I don't have problem walking otherwise. Could it just be the strain of my weight on my legs (which are very muscular)?

Thanks!

Although I haven't had or been diagnosed with PAD, I have had some of the symptoms. I have small vessel disease caused by arteriosclerosis. The small arteries in my legs impede proper blood flow to my calf muscles, resulting in claudication (crampy ache in the calves, especially going up an incline), which is the main symptom, or one of the symptoms of PAD. PAD is blockage of one of the major arteries in one or both legs.

You can have an ultrasound done to verify proper blood flow in your legs, if you are concerned. I had one of these and it takes about 10 minutes. If you had diagnosable PAD, you couldn't walk uphill very far, w/o stopping to rest your legs (I think).

I could get tested, but I can walk on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes without stopping (even though my legs are a bit tight). I think I will try stretching even more beforehand and see if that helps.

I know iam kinda late for your post but iam new to the board, and when I read your post i can honestly tell you i dont think you have got p.a.d.., i have it really bad, i just had a heart cath 4 days ago and they had to put 2 stents in my heart, but the point iam making is that is that i have to have surgery on both legs for p.a.d. and you would not be running the tread mill for no 30 mins, the pain would get you in about 5 mins, Well i hope iam right that you dont have it. let us know on the board what you find out.. CICI.