Peripheral artery disease: epidemiology and global perspectives

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Global populations are experiencing an epidemiological transition, with a rapid shift in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden towards low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a significant manifestation of atherosclerotic disease, requiring increased attention in less-resourced nations.
• Existing research on PAD epidemiology is heavily concentrated in high-income countries, with a notable scarcity of data from LMICs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current epidemiology of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with a global perspective.
• To highlight the growing burden of PAD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• To identify potential demographic and risk factor trends for PAD in LMICs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on PAD epidemiology.
• Analysis of global trends in cardiovascular disease and risk factors.
• Synthesis of data, acknowledging limitations due to publication disparities between high-income countries and LMICs.

Main Results:

• PAD prevalence is shifting towards LMICs, mirroring broader cardiovascular disease trends.
• Preliminary data suggest a potentially higher prevalence of PAD in women compared to men in LMICs.
• Key drivers for PAD in LMICs include population aging and increased traditional cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• PAD represents a growing global health challenge, particularly in LMICs.
• Further research is critically needed to understand PAD epidemiology and risk factors in LMICs.
• Targeted prevention and management strategies for PAD are essential in LMICs, considering potential sex-based differences and rising traditional risk factors.