Arterial disease means the pipes that carry oxygen-rich blood are narrowed, blocked, or inflamed. Because every organ depends on these highways, symptoms show up wherever the traffic jam forms.

Cramping pain on effort is the classic red flag. Calves, thighs, or buttocks ache after a block or two of walking and stop within minutes of rest.

Cold, pale skin follows. One foot feels cooler, looks whiter, and tans less than the other.

Weak pulse is easy to check. The artery at your ankle or wrist feels faint compared with the other side.

Numbness or tingling crops up. Toes or fingers feel “asleep,” especially at night or when you elevate the limb.

Hair loss and shiny skin appear. Lower-leg hair thins, and the skin looks tight and glossy because blood flow is poor.

Late alarms include pain at rest, black or blue toes, or wounds that won’t heal—signs the artery is nearly blocked.