PAD in women: the ischemic continuum

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is part of the ischemic continuum of atherosclerotic vascular disease and is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Compared to men, women with PAD are more likely to have asymptomatic disease or atypical symptoms. PAD in women is associated with decreased exercise capacity, reduced quality of life, increased risk of depression, as well as a greater risk of acute cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality than male counterparts. Ensuring an appropriate diagnosis of women with PAD offers an opportunity to begin risk factor modification therapy, improve walking capacity and make a timely referral for revascularization if needed. It is critical to highlight the sex-based disparities in lower extremity PAD so that we may work to improve outcomes for women with PAD.