A recent investigation conducted by Intermountain Health has revealed alarming trends in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects millions of Americans over 40. The study highlights that PAD is often overlooked, with women receiving less medical therapy than men. This vascular ailment, which involves restricted blood flow to the extremities due to plaque accumulation, significantly elevates mortality risks. Researchers found that only a small fraction of patients receive optimal care, indicating a pressing need for improved screening and treatment protocols.

Peripheral artery disease represents a substantial public health concern, impacting nearly one-tenth of the U.S. population. Characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries supplying blood to the limbs, it is a leading cause of cardiovascular-related fatalities. In their analysis, researchers scrutinized records of 7,522 symptomatic patients diagnosed with PAD between 2006 and 2021. Among them, 38 percent were women, while 62 percent were men. The findings underscored disparities in care, as fewer women received comprehensive guideline-directed therapies compared to their male counterparts.

The research delved into the specific treatments administered to these patients, focusing on antiplatelet medications, statins, and other relevant therapies. It was discovered that merely 29.6 percent of women and 33.5 percent of men obtained all recommended treatments. Despite this, women exhibited slightly lower rates of severe cardiac events or limb amputations. However, the overall mortality risk remained alarmingly high at 50 percent for both genders.

Viet T. Le, the primary investigator and an associate professor of cardiovascular research, emphasized the critical gaps in identifying and addressing PAD effectively. He pointed out that clinicians might overlook PAD due to its ambiguous symptoms, such as leg pain, which could be attributed to various conditions. Moreover, different healthcare providers may not always be updated on the latest PAD management strategies. Cardiologists, for instance, might prioritize heart disease or stroke prevention, inadvertently neglecting specific screenings for PAD.

Le advocated for enhanced methods to detect and treat PAD, suggesting that tailored approaches could significantly reduce mortality rates. Symptoms like cold feet, cramping during activity, and leg ulcers should prompt thorough evaluations. Although PAD cannot be cured, lifestyle adjustments, medication, and surgical interventions can alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

This groundbreaking research was unveiled at the American College of Cardiology’s annual conference in Chicago on March 30, 2025. By raising awareness about the underrecognized dangers of PAD, healthcare systems can strive toward more effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic regimens. Such advancements hold the potential to enhance patient survival rates and quality of life.