Research Reveals Significant Gender Disparities in Peripheral Vascular Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

A comprehensive scientific statement from the American Heart Association reveals significant gender disparities in peripheral vascular disease (PVD), highlighting critical differences in how the condition affects women compared to men. The research demonstrates that women consistently face challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes across various vascular conditions.

Key findings show that women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often experience no symptoms or atypical signs, leading to potential underdiagnosis. They tend to walk slower and cover shorter distances, experiencing greater functional decline compared to men. Notably, Black women have a higher lifetime PAD risk and are frequently less likely to receive evidence-based treatments.

The statement identifies substantial variations across different vascular conditions. In aortic diseases, women are typically diagnosed at older ages with more severe symptoms. They face higher mortality risks during surgical interventions, with 30% of in-hospital mortality compared to 21% for men in acute aortic syndromes.

Researchers emphasize the critical need for targeted research and improved clinical approaches. Recommendations include ensuring adequate female representation in clinical trials, analyzing data by sex, and establishing optimal treatment strategies that account for women's unique physiological characteristics.

Dr. Esther S.H. Kim, lead author of the statement, stressed that while heart disease differences between genders are increasingly recognized, equivalent focus on vascular diseases remains lacking. The research calls for enhanced clinician education, improved screening strategies, and better access to guideline-recommended therapies to address these significant healthcare disparities.