Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects approximately 8.5 million people in the US and about 230 million worldwide. JAMA Deputy Editor Greg Curfman, MD, interviews Mary M. McDermott, MD, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, to discuss current evidence regarding diagnosis and optimal medical treatment of people with PAD to prevent cardiovascular events, improve walking impairment, and prevent lower extremity ischemic events such as amputation or limb ischemia. Related Article(s): Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease Without Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia