The incidence of peripheral arterial disease is increasing due to the aging of the population. In the asymptomatic stage, atherosclerotic plaques are present but not clinically evident. However, their growth could narrow the vessel and become manifested as intermittent clau­dication. Further worsening of ischemia could lead to trophic changes of the skin and adne­xa, ulceration and even gangrene. Therefore, early detection and prevention of disease progression is very important. This paper focuses on the main risk factors for peripheral arte­rial disease, as well as the relevant diagnostic procedures and treatment options in different stages of the disease. The main treatments of choise include supervised walking programs and systemic prevention of cardiovascular ischemic events. When conservative treatment is inefficient, the percutaneus revascularization method should be considered. For long ves­sel occlusions or highly calcified plaques, bypass grafting is used to reestablish normal blood flow. Amputation is the procedure of last resort, indicated for extensive, deep necrosis and progressive gangrene. Despite modern preventive measures, the mortality of patients with peripheral arterial disease is higher than in the general population. Due to the exceptionally elevated risk for cardiovascular events, the majority of these individuals will eventually die of cardiac or cerebrovascular problems.