Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Emergency Action Plan

Know Your Emergency Signs

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

• Sudden severe leg pain that differs from your usual PAD symptoms
• Cold, pale, or blue foot or toes
• New or sudden weakness in your leg
• Complete loss of sensation in your foot or leg
• New ulcer or black spot on your toes or feet
• Severe pain at rest that isn't relieved by hanging your legs down

Emergency Response Steps

1. Call 911 if you experience:

   • Sudden, severe symptoms
   • Signs of tissue death (gangrene)
   • Inability to move your leg
   • Severe, unrelenting pain

2. Contact Your Doctor Immediately for:

   • New ulcers that aren't severe
   • Worsening claudication
   • Increasing leg pain
   • Changes in skin color or temperature

Important Information to Have Ready

• Your medications list
• Recent procedures or treatments
• Your vascular specialist's contact information
• Your baseline PAD symptoms

Prevention Steps

• Monitor your feet daily
• Keep emergency numbers readily available
• Take all prescribed medications
• Follow your exercise program
• Maintain good foot hygiene

Emergency Contacts

Vascular Specialist: ________________ Primary Care Doctor: ________________ Nearest Emergency Room: ________________

Keep this plan in an easily accessible location and share it with family members.