Medics provide arterial disease information Published Aug. 21, 2007 By Ramona Lynd 81st Medical Operations Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Keesler Medical Center staff provides peripheral arterial disease information, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27 in the outpatient clinic entrance lobby. Visitors to the booth may also schedule PAD screening appointments. This screening is for complications that occur in arteries. The most common peripheral arterial disease symptoms are cramping, pain or tiredness in leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. Symptoms usually go away with rest and return with exercise or walking. Because many people disregard its symptoms, PAD often goes undiagnosed. PAD risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a family history of heart or vascular disease. The risk increases after age 50. The good news is most cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.