Peripheral artery disease
See who’s at risk for getting peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the concerning disparities in treatment rates for PAD and critical limb ischemia (CLI). And find insights from our market research study to help you understand how to better reach undertreated women and people of color.
Who’s at risk?
 | It’s estimated that 6.5 million people in the U.S. over age 40 have PAD, and women with PAD have a higher mortality associated with PAD than men.1 |
| Native Americans and people of African descent have the highest rates of PAD in the United States. |
| Black people have twice the rate of PAD than white people at any given age.2 |
| 22% of Hispanic and Latinx men and women are likely to develop PAD.3 |
Who’s going untreated?
 | Black patients are less likely than white patients to have received revascularization in the year prior to amputation (32% vs. 37%).4 |
| Compared to white patients, Black patients are 74% more likely to receive amputations below the knee for CLI and 125% more likely to receive amputations above the knee.4 |
| Hispanic and Latinx patients are 1.5x times more likely than whites to receive a major amputation.5 |
Insight from underserved patients with PAD
Boston Scientific commissioned a study on underserved groups across the country. Below is a snapshot of PAD patients’ perceptions. You can also download a one-page summary.
PAD patients key insights (English PDF) | PAD patients key insights (Spanish PDF)
CLI patients key insights (English PDF) | CLI patients key insights (Spanish PDF)
Barriers to accessing healthcare for PAD
Our market research study found that people with PAD identify these top obstacles in getting care after diagnosis:
- 40% cite cost of healthcare or insurance
- 36% cite physical limitations
- 32% cite distance to care
Barriers causing delays to healthcare for PAD
The market research study found that:
- 54% of patients decided to put off surgery
- Some patients know that their insurance offers rides but find it hard to figure out how to use the service
What can help underserved patients with PAD
Give educational materials
- 78% want additional information about treatment options
- 40% want their treatment options written out
- 78% are searching for treatment options online
Start by giving materials we've created, such as What women and people of color need to know about peripheral artery disease.
Increase communication and access
- 38% want online appointments
- 38% are looking to text with their doctor’s office
- 30% ask for weekend appointments
Connect with your patients
- 36% of people with PAD get nervous around doctors, which means that they might not feel comfortable telling you about symptoms or concerns
- It may help to ask patients if they feel like they have a strong support system, and what might help
Provider resources
What do patients say is needed to break down barriers to care? Find fast facts about what underserved patients say prevent them from following the path to specialty care.
Patient resources
Help referring physicians and primary care providers engage underserved patients in their care and improve their access to specialty care.
Get started
Dedicated health equity consultants from Boston Scientific can help you build an outreach effort specifically designed to reach those most at-risk within your community.
References:
- Goodney PP, Travis LL, Nallamothu BK, et al. Variation in the use of lower extremity vascular procedures for critical limb ischemia [published correction appears in Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2012 May;5(3):e27]. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2012;5(1):94-102. doi:10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.111.962233
- Shu, J. Santulli, G. (2018). Update on peripheral artery disease: epidemiology and evidence-based facts. Atherosclerosis
- Zhang et al. (2013). Reporting and Representation of Ethnic Minorities in Cardiovascular Trials: A Systemic Review.
- ASC National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2011-2017)
- Hackler III, E. et al. (2021) Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Peripheral Artery Disease. Circulation. 12:1913-1926.