07/19/2025
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) isn’t just a men’s health issue. It affects both men and women, and research shows that women have higher rates of PAD.
PAD occurs when arteries, most often in the legs, become narrowed due to plaque buildup. This reduces blood flow and can lead to leg pain, slow wound healing, and other serious complications.
For many years, PAD was considered a “male disease” because it was defined by a common symptom: intermittent claudication, or leg pain during walking or exercise. But many women with PAD do not have this symptom. As a result, their condition often goes unrecognized.
Without early detection, women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later, more serious stage called Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI). CLI occurs when blood flow to the leg becomes severely limited over time, leading to ongoing pain, tissue damage, and an increased risk of amputation.
Call 918-943-5303 to learn and schedule your evaluation today.
📚 References
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Gornik HL, Aronow HD, Goodney PP, et al. 2024 ACC/AHA guideline on PAD management. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024;83(24):2497–2604.
Berger JS, Hochman J, Lobach I, et al. Modifiable risk factors and PAD prevalence by vascular territory. J Vasc Surg. 2013;58(3):673–681.
Mozaffarian D, Benjamin E, Go A, et al. Heart disease & stroke statistics: 2015 update. Circulation. 2015;131(4):e29–e322.
Eraso LH, Fukaya E, Mohler ER, et al. PAD prevalence and risk factor profile. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2014;21(6):704–711.
Nehler MR, Duval S, Diao L, et al. PAD and CLI in an insured U.S. population. J Vasc Surg. 2014;60(3):686–695.
Sigvant B, Wiberg-Hedman K, Bergqvist D, et al. Population-based PAD study focusing on CLI and s*x differences. J Vasc Surg. 2007;45(6):1185–1191.
Teodorescu VJ, Vavra AK, Kibbe MR. PAD in women. J Vasc Surg. 2013;57(4 Suppl):18S–26S.
Lefebvre KM, Chevan J. Gender and racial disparities in lower extremity amputation (2002–2011). Vasc Med. 2015;20(1):51–59.