Peripheral Arterial Disease in Women

Study Finds PAD More Prevalent in Women and Reports on Risk Factors and Treatment

According to a recent article published at the National Institutes of Health, Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is of particular concern to women and increases with age where it “remains underdiagnosed and under-treated.” The article cites atypical symptoms and “poorer overall health status” as one reason. Why is this the case? The article discusses risk factors including “the loss of vascular protective effects of estrogen which promotes vasodilation and has anti-oxidative effects” and acknowledges that there is conflicting information regarding hormone replacement therapy and PAD in women.

In terms of treatment for PAD, the approaches noted include supervised exercise therapy, which is sometimes challenging for patients, pharmacological treatment, and lower extremity revascularization. For more information and full study results on this topic, click here. If you’re experiencing PAD symptoms or suspect any health issues, please contact Washington Vascular Specialists to consult with a healthcare professional.