The Problem with Diagnosing PVD in Women

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a general term for conditions that include Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Aortic Disease, Peripheral Aneurysms and Artery Disorders, Atherosclerotic Extracranial Carotid Artery Disease, Atherosclerotic Renal and Mesenteric Artery Disease and Vasculitis. And, according to the American Heart Association’s new scientific statement, “Sex Differences in Peripheral Vascular Disease,” published in the journal Circulation, these conditions are underdiagnosed and under-researched in women. So, how can we improve the process of diagnosing PVD in women? Here’s what the statement recommends.

Diagnosing PVD in Women: Obstacles to Overcome

Dr. Esther Kim, chief author of the statement, expressed: “Peripheral vascular disease is often under-recognized and understudied in women.” The reason for this disparity, she explained, is that diseases such as peripheral artery disease look different in men and women. And, while “differences in heart disease between men and women are increasingly recognized, equivalent focus on vascular diseases affecting blood vessels outside the heart remains lacking. In order to improve the quality of life and prolong the lives of women with PVD, more research is needed to identify and address these disparities.”

Why is that so important? She explains that, “PVD leads to significant illness and health complications. However, the disparities between women and men hinder equitable outcomes. Identified disparities in effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care underscore the importance of tailored prevention and treatment strategies.”

Already, vascular specialists like our doctors at Texas Endovascular have recognized the need for a tailored treatment approach for PAD in women. But, moving forward, the statement authors want to do more to close the diagnosis and treatment gap between men and women when it comes to vascular disease. And, to do that, Dr. Kim says there will have to be more research.

Diagnosing PVD: Suggestions for the Future

Moving forward, Dr. Kim would like researchers to ensure that women are adequately represented in clinical trials. When data is collected, it should be analyzed by sex. Ultimately, the goal should be to establish best-practice treatment strategies for female patients.

While we await the results of sex-based clinical studies, we can still help close the diagnosis gap for women with one powerful tool: preventative screening. First, if you’re a woman, you should review this venous and arterial risk assessment, along with common peripheral artery disease causes. Then, if your recognize any personal PAD risk factors, you should request a consultation , even if you don’t have any symptoms of PAD. Since women often develop symptoms later than men do, screening for disease when you aren’t symptomatic can help reduce the diagnostic gap between the sexes.