The Impact and Progression of
Peripheral Arterial Disease

Why is PAD ‘silent’?

1. 50% of patient are asymptomatic¹

Half of those affected by PAD show no symptoms, making early detection challenging

2. Gradual Progression²

PAD often gradually progresses, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease is already in advanced stage. This underscores the importance of early testing, especially for those at high risk.

3. Atypical Symptoms³

Symptoms are atypical or subtle and are attributed to other causes (91% polled dismissed pain in lower extremities
to getting older)

4. Lack of Awareness³

70% of people polled don’t know about PAD
and outcomes if not treated

5. Risk Factors⁴

Shares common risk factors with other higher profile diseases such as heart disease and strokes. (Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.)

The Vital Connection Between Brain, Heart and Legs⁵

Polyvascular disease affects multiple vascular systems, leading to serious health outcomes in the brain, heart and limbs. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is closely linked with cerebrovascular disease and coronary artery disease. Together, they increase the risk of life-altering events such as strokes, heart attacks, and limb amputations.

Cerebrovascular Disease: Leads to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), strokes, and vascular dementia.

Coronary Artery Disease: Increases the risk of heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure.

Peripheral Arterial Disease: Causes intermittent claudication, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and can result in amputation.

Recognizing and managing PAD is essential to reducing these interconnected risks and improving long-term outcomes for patients.

All Cause Mortality

Those with PAD have a 3x higher risk of all cause mortality.⁶

Major Adverse Limb Event (MALE)

A new PAD diagnosis carries a 3x risk for MALE in 2 years.⁷

150, 000 amputations/year (400/day)⁸

45% die within 5 years of amputation⁹

Patients with Diabetes and PAD are 4x more likely to undergo an amputation than those with PAD alone¹⁰

Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE)

PAD is an independent predictor of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Cerebrovascular Disease.¹¹

Those with PAD have a 6x higher risk for death from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).⁶

Stroke

There is a 1.7 HR ratio of developing an ischemic stroke with PAD.¹²

Patients with symptomatic/asymptomatic PAD are at increased risk for stroke/TIA compared to those without PAD¹³

The Growing Financial Burden of PAD and CVD: Why Prevention is Critical

PAD is not just a leg problem – it is a systemic issue that connects to heart and heart health. The cost to treat PAD, along with related conditions like diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and amputations, are staggering and continue to rise each year.

PAD Treatment per Medicare Beneficiary¹⁴

DFU Treatment per patient¹⁵

Amputation per case¹⁵

These costs are just the tip of the iceberg when considering the broader implications of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Projections indicate that by 2035, the economic burden of CVD will skyrocket¹⁶:

Direct Medical Costs:
Rising from $318 billion in 2017 to $749 billion by 2035, an increase of 135%. This includes provider services, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term care.

Indirect Medical Costs:
Increasing from $237 billion to $368 billion by 2035, a 55% increase. These costs come from lost productivity, disability, and premature death, disproportionately affecting individuals aged 45-64.

It’s More than Financial Costs: The Human Impact

CVD and PAD don’t just strain the wallet; they have a profound impact on the patient’s quality of life. Those living with these conditions often face¹⁷:

Limited physical ability
Reduced social engagement
Emotional and mental challenges due to lifestyle changes and uncertainty

References

Disparities in PAD: A Growing Concern

The social determinants of health for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) include factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, lifestyle behaviors like smoking and physical inactivity, and the prevalence of conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which disproportionately affect underserved populations.

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.

PAD – The “Silent Killer”

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

Why is PAD ‘silent’?

1. 50% of patient are asymptomatic1

2. Gradual Progression2

3. Atypical Symptoms3

4. Lack of Awareness3

5. Risk Factors4

The Vital Connection Between Brain, Heart and Legs5