Peripheral Artery Disease a little known threat

October 26, 2009 The condition is called Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD, which occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged.

PAD is as serious as a heart attack.

If it's detected early there are treatments. It can be screened for by comparing the blood pressure in the leg to that of the arm

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that after screening about 360 adults, about 5 percent had PAD and didn't know it.

Researchers say at the least, screening for the condition should become routine for those at risk of heart disease or stroke.