Disparities in PAD:
A Growing Concern

Peripheral Arterial Disease disproportionately affects communities that face economic and social challenges. Key social determinants such as health care access, neighborhood conditions, and education all contribute to disparities in PAD outcomes1. Additionally, certain ethnic groups and women are at higher risks for more severe PAD complications.

Understanding these factors is critical to closing the gap and improving are for those most vulnerable.

Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and PAD

Health Care & Quality

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Health Literacy
  • Transportation to Health Care Facilities
  • Copays
  • Provider Availabilities
  • Quality of Care

Neighborhood & Built Environment

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Safety
  • Walkability
  • Recreation/Parks
  • Water Quality
  • Access to Healthy Food

Social & Community Context

  • Social + Community Integration
  • Support Systems
  • Community Engagement
  • Stress
  • Discrimination

Economic
Stability

  • Employment
  • Income
  • Debt
  • Expenses
  • Support
  • Medical Bills

Education Access and Quality

  • Higher Education
  • Literacy
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Language
  • Vocational Training

Ethnic and Gender
Risk Factors in PAD

David Fornell, 5-time winner of the Jesse H. Neal award interviews
Dr. Kumar Madassery (Rush University, Chicago)2

“What we see in Chicago mirrors what we see around the country, in that these healthcare deserts where there is low access to care or detection of disease is only in late stages, are the same areas with the highest amputation rates.” – Kumar Madessery, MD

African American

  • 1 in 3 Black American adults may develop PAD compared to Hispanics or White3
  • Present with more severe disease

Hispanic/Latino

  • Adults with predominantly sedentary lifestyles have a higher risk of PAD, even in the absence of other risk factors4

Women

  • 30% more likely to have PAD than men5
  • Symptoms or exertional leg pain is absent with >60% of women with PAD6
  • Intermittent claudication tends to present 10 – 20 years later than men7

PAD does not affect all populations equally.

Barriers to Early Detection and Treatment

In 2021, the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) conducted a roundtable to explore the barriers to early PAD detection and treatment across diverse communities.8 They engaged with 18 experts from geographically and medically varied backgrounds to understand the systemic challenges facing PAD patients. The findings highlighted the following barriers:

Insufficient prioritization of PAD

Inadequate focus on care disparities

Lack of health system ownership of population health ​

Limited primary care provider engagement in early evaluation

These barriers underscore the importance of healthcare reform and community-based initiatives aimed at improving PAD awareness, accessibility, and care.

Read the full study here: Perspectives on Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Qualitative Study of Early Diagnosis and Treatment and the Impact of Health Disparities

Taking Action: How We Can Address PAD Disparities9

Enhancing Healthcare Access

Community health programs and mobile clinics can bridge the gap for those living in underserved areas,
bringing early PAD testing and preventive care closer to those in need.

Education and Awareness

Educational campaigns focused on PAD awareness, early symptoms, and risk reduction can empower individuals to seek care sooner. Training healthcare providers on the importance of SDOH in PAD can improve culturally sensitive care.

Policy and Advocacy

Advocacy for health equity policies can promote access to affordable, quality healthcare, while encouraging investments
in healthcare infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.

Community Support Networks

Strengthening social support networks through partnerships with local organizations can improve patient outcomes and reduce health disparities. Community resources for exercise, nutrition, and stress management can also play a vital role.

References

Challenges in
Managing PAD

Managing Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is challenging due to its often asymptomatic nature, the need for early detection in high-risk populations, and the necessity of comprehensive care that addresses both lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.

Read More

PAD – The “Silent Killer”

The “Silent Killer” ~30% of Americans Don’t
Know They Have

Read More

The Impact and Progression of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. often going undetected because it progresses with minimal symptoms, earning it the label of a “silent killer.”

Read More

Learn more about how QuantaFlo may improve outcomes for your PAD patients.

Learn More About QuantaFlo