Peripheral artery disease affects 8 to 12 million Americans and those affected by it face a six to seven times higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke than those who don't.

Elmer Spletz says "I had pain in the calf, from my leg walking, and playing golf it was more noticeable, when you play golf, you're putting stress on your legs."

Cardiologist Richard Gelb explains that pain and discomfort in your legs can be a sign of something serious and your doctor might want to find out your ankle brachial index. "It only really takes a few minutes and can be done by your physician during a routine examination. And all you're doing is you're comparing the blood pressure in the arm, which most people are familiar with to the blood pressure in the ankle."

Dr. Gelb says that this test can also help diagnose peripheral arterial disease, known as P-A-D. If that index number drops after exercise, then chances are there's a significant amount of PAD present. "If the ankle pressure is significanly lower than the arm presure it suggests that you may have some blockage in the leg."

Dr. Gelb also says that P-A-D is similar to coronary artery disease as fatty deposits build up along artery walls and affect blood circulation. Certain people are at a higher risk for this condition. "Smokers, diabetics and the elderly. The risk factors are virtually identical for people for heart disease. So if you have a family member or a sibling who has PVD, you are at risk for PVD."

In severe cases of P-A-D you can have discoloration, coldness and hair loss on your legs.

Treatment for P-A-D focuses on reducing symptoms and prevention of further progression of the disease.