If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to tell your doctor, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your doctor may perform an ankle-brachial index, a noninvasive test that measures blood pressure in your ankles and compares it with blood pressure in your arms at rest and after exercise. Your doctor may also perform imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomography (CT) angiography.

Once your doctor has diagnosed the condition and determined its severity, there may be a variety of possible treatment options available to you. In less severe cases, your doctor may recommend taking a daily aspirin or an antiplatelet medication to increase blood flow and prevent complications related to PAD. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to bypass blocked arteries, says the CDC.

On the other hand, manage your risk factors now.

If you suspect you may be developing PAD or any other heart health problem, you should start managing your risk factors today. Primarily, this involves controlling any chronic conditions you may have that make developing PAD more likely, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Experts also say that maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent PAD and minimize its complications.

Finally, studies show that up to 80 percent of people with PAD are current or former smokers, says the American College of Cardiology. If you currently smoke, quitting can greatly reduce your symptoms and risk of complications.