The underdiagnosed condition that could raise heart disease risk

Key Points:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD), caused by plaque buildup in arteries outside the heart, particularly in the legs, is a significant but often overlooked risk factor for heart attack and stroke, especially in women.
• Women with PAD frequently experience atypical symptoms and are less likely to receive timely diagnosis and treatment, increasing their risk of serious complications such as slow-healing wounds, gangrene, and major cardiovascular events.
• PAD tends to develop later in women, often after their 60s, potentially due to decreased estrogen levels, and symptoms can be confused with other age-related conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
• A simple ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm, can help detect PAD early, allowing for timely intervention through lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical procedures.
• Risk factors for PAD are similar to those for cardiovascular disease in general and include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure, highlighting the importance of managing these conditions to reduce PAD risk.