March 11, 2025 — The disparities between men and women in prevalence, risk factors and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) have a profound impact on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for women, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association’s flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation.
“Peripheral vascular disease is often under-recognized and understudied in women,” said Esther S.H. Kim, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the writing group for the new scientific statement. Dr. Kim is the Izard Family Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, a professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and director of the Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. “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.”
The scientific statement, “Sex Differences in Peripheral Vascular Disease,” summarizes current knowledge of the differences between men and women with PVD; highlights disparities in risk factors, screening, treatment and outcomes; and outlines key research priorities to mitigate these disparities and promote health equity.
Summary of Disparities
The statement highlights numerous disparities in risk factors, symptoms, screening, treatment and outcomes for various types of PVD including:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Aortic Disease
- Peripheral Aneurysms and Artery Disorders
- Atherosclerotic Extracranial Carotid Artery Disease
- Atherosclerotic Renal and Mesenteric Artery Disease
- Vasculitis
“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,” said Kim.
Future Research Needs
According to the statement, there is a need to prioritize research to help define differences in PVD between men and women. Future research, from research at the cellular level to clinical trials, should include sex in their design and reporting. Suggestions include:
- Ensure adequate representation of women in clinical trials
- Analyze data by sex
- Establish optimal treatment strategies for women.
In addition, the statement also includes suggestions that may help improve diagnosis and long-term prognosis for women with PVD:
- Enhance education for clinicians
- Improve screening strategies
- Improve access for women to guideline-recommended therapies
This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease; the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; the Council on Clinical Cardiology; the Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine; the Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research; and the Stroke Council.
Additional details on the AHA statement are available here.
You can access the entire scientific statement by clicking here.