We often associate blocked arteries with the heart. Chest pain raises alarm instantly, and terms like heart attack or stroke are widely recognised. But what if the body starts warning us much earlier, and through the legs?In the latest episode of Vascular Disease: Beyond The Heart, a podcast series focused on vascular health awareness, Dr Rahul Sheth, Interventional Radiologist associated with Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, Lilavati Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Zen Hospital, and S L Raheja Hospital, explains why Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) continues to remain overlooked despite being closely linked to overall cardiovascular health.Hosted by Anisha Nayar Dhawan, the episode explores how symptoms such as leg pain while walking, numbness, cold feet, or non-healing wounds may point towards underlying vascular disease.
Looking beyond the heart
One of the biggest misconceptions around vascular disease, Dr Sheth explains, is that people associate artery blockages only with the heart.“All of us have arteries. The heart artery is important, but the same arteries are present throughout the body,” says Dr Sheth. “There are arteries supplying the brain, kidneys, and legs.”Explaining the broader cardiovascular connection, he adds, “All of them share the same underlying pathology as a heart block. If a heart artery can get blocked, so can a leg artery.”Yet awareness around leg-related vascular disease remains significantly lower.“We all know the term stroke, which is a brain attack. But not many people know that there is also something called a leg attack,” he says.
Why leg pain is often ignored
The episode highlights how symptom recognition remains one of the biggest barriers to early diagnosis.“Everybody recognises chest pain as a reason to see a cardiologist,” says Dr Sheth. “Sadly, when people experience leg pain, they rarely think of consulting a vascular specialist.”According to him, many patients mistake vascular symptoms for muscular fatigue or orthopaedic issues.“People often think it’s a muscle issue. Many times, they first go to an orthopaedic surgeon because leg pain can also be linked to spine-related problems,” he explains.One of the most important warning signs doctors look for is pain while walking that improves with rest.“When a patient walks, they experience pain. Once they stop and rest, the pain disappears, and they can start walking again. In medical terms, we call this claudication,” says Dr Sheth.“If these symptoms are present, they strongly point towards a vascular problem,” he adds.
The diabetes connection
The discussion also focuses on diabetes and smoking, both major contributors to vascular disease progression.“It’s essentially the same disease process,” says Dr Sheth while discussing lifestyle-linked risk factors. “Atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up, can happen anywhere in the body.”According to him, diabetes significantly worsens circulation-related complications, particularly in the legs and feet.“In many diabetic foot cases, blood supply is already compromised, and because circulation is poor, wounds fail to heal properly,” he says.The concern is particularly relevant in India. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews found that the pooled prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in India was 18%, highlighting the growing burden of vascular complications among diabetic patients.1The episode also addresses the fear associated with amputations in advanced diabetic foot cases, while emphasising that timely vascular intervention can help improve outcomes and preserve limb health.
Diagnosing what often gets missed
Unlike heart disease, where ECGs and angiography are commonly recognised, vascular disease in the legs often requires a different diagnostic approach.“Simple clinical examinations, such as checking pulses in the leg, can help identify whether there is an underlying vascular issue,” says Dr Sheth.The episode further explores how tools such as Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography help specialists identify narrowed or blocked arteries and plan treatment more effectively.At the same time, Dr Sheth explains that treating peripheral arteries can often be more challenging than treating coronary arteries due to their length, movement, and heavier calcium burden.
Why early intervention matters
A major concern discussed throughout the episode is delayed treatment.“Many times, these leg problems are missed until it becomes too late,” says Dr. Sheth.As symptoms progress silently, patients often seek medical attention only after ulcers, tissue damage, or severe mobility issues begin affecting their quality of life.The conversation also explores how advancements in minimally invasive endovascular therapies are helping improve outcomes for many patients today through procedures involving balloons, stents, and newer vascular technologies.
The road ahead
With diabetes cases rising steadily across India, the burden of vascular disease is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.“People today are increasingly recognising the importance of exercise and regular walking,” says Dr. Sheth, while discussing preventive lifestyle measures.Through Vascular Disease: Beyond The Heart, the episode brings attention to a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe, while also highlighting how greater awareness, timely diagnosis, and evolving treatment approaches are helping change patient outcomes today.Watch the full episode to learn more about Peripheral Vascular Disease, its warning signs, available treatment pathways, and why paying attention to leg health may be just as important as monitoring heart health.Reference/s:Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgments of the doctors/experts, and TIL does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of Abbott by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.
