Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Aortic Disease, Peripheral Aneurysms and Artery Disorders, Atherosclerotic Extracranial Carotid Artery Disease, Atherosclerotic Renal and Mesenteric Artery Disease and Vasculitis are all part of a group of conditions known as Peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Recently, the American Heart Association released a scientific statement, “Sex Differences in Peripheral Vascular Disease” in Circulation, revealing that there is a research and diagnosis gap or these conditions in women. In today's post, we review recommendations for helping improve the process of diagnosing PVD in women.

Overcoming Obstacles to Diagnosing PVD in Women

The statement's chief author, Dr. Esther Kim, revealed that: “Peripheral vascular disease is often under-recognized and understudied in women.” And she said that's because this group of conditions, particularly peripheral artery disease, looks different in women and men. Thankfully, she notes, the “differences in heart disease between men and women are increasingly recognized, [yet] equivalent focus on vascular diseases affecting blood vessels outside the heart remains lacking. In order to improve the quality of life and prolong the lives of women with PVD, more research is needed to identify and address these disparities.”

Why is more research so crucial? Dr. Kim says, “PVD leads to significant illness and health complications. However, the disparities between women and men hinder equitable outcomes. Identified disparities in effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care underscore the importance of tailored prevention and treatment strategies.”

Now, our vascular specialists at Georgia Endovascular are ready to help close the gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease in women. And so we want to highlight Dr. Kim's suggestions alongside our own.

The Future of Diagnosing PVD in Women

Dr. Kim wants to see more women included in future clinical trials. And she wants collected data to be analyzed through the lens of sex. Together, she believes these factors would help create ideal treatment strategies for women. In the meantime, we can help speed up the diagnostic process through the power of preventative screening. We encourage women to review their peripheral artery disease risk factors. And if you have one or more of them you should request a consultation with our team. Since women develop PAD symptoms much later in the disease development process, it's important to come for a screening even if you haven't experienced any PAD symptoms.