Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when arteries outside of the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerosis. This buildup can cause reduced blood flow to the limbs, often resulting in leg pain, cramping, or non-healing wounds.

Often, the condition may go undiagnosed until more serious complications arise, especially in women who frequently present with non-traditional symptoms. In Baton Rouge, this issue is especially pressing due to regional health disparities, including higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, all of which are significant risk factors for PAD.

Women often encounter additional barriers such as socioeconomic challenges, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of awareness about vascular health, all of which significantly increase their risk of developing advanced stages of PAD. Without early intervention, PAD can progress to Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)—a severe and debilitating condition with an elevated risk of life-threatening complications, including infection, amputation, and cardiovascular events.

Why is PAD Often Underdiagnosed in Women?

PAD is significantly underdiagnosed in women for several reasons:

• Atypical Symptoms: Women with PAD often experience symptoms that differ from the classic signs, such as generalized leg discomfort rather than claudication. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
• Limited Screening: PAD is not always screened for during routine medical exams, especially in women who might not fit the traditional high-risk profile despite having significant symptoms.
• Lack of Awareness and Misattribution of Symptoms: Women may not recognize PAD as a potential cause of their symptoms, delaying their decision to seek care. Similarly, healthcare providers may not always consider PAD as a diagnosis in female patients presenting with atypical symptoms, instead misattributing them to less serious conditions, such as stress, arthritis, or aging.
• Gender Bias in Healthcare: Historically, cardiovascular diseases, including PAD, have been viewed as predominantly affecting men. This misconception can lead to women’s symptoms being dismissed or attributed to other factors.
• Cultural and Socioeconomic Barriers: In Baton Rouge and similar communities, cultural factors, economic limitations, and lack of access to specialized care can further delay diagnosis and treatment for women.

How Does PAD Present Differently in Women?

One of the most significant challenges in diagnosing PAD in women is the way symptoms manifest differently compared to men. While men often experience classic symptoms like claudication—leg pain or cramping during exercise that improves with rest—women are more likely to report less specific or atypical symptoms, such as:

• Generalized fatigue or discomfort in the legs rather than localized pain.
• Burning sensations in the feet or toes.
• Pain at rest, particularly in advanced stages of the disease.

These subtle or non-traditional presentations make it harder for women to recognize that something is wrong, delaying their decision to seek medical attention. Women also tend to have a much later onset of symptoms compared to men, leading to later diagnosis.

Do Women and Men Have Different Risk Factors for PAD?  

Many of the risk factors for PAD occur similarly in men and women, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. However, some risk factors are specific to women. These include:

• Pregnancy Complications: Women who experience complications such as preeclampsia—severely elevated blood pressure and potential organ damage during pregnancy, may be at greater risk of developing vascular disease, including PAD.
• Systemic Inflammation: Women often have more elevated levels of inflammation in the body than men. Researchers have found that inflammation plays a role in the initiation and progression of PAD, with higher levels of inflammation leading to increased disease severity.
• Osteoporosis: While not completely understood, there is an association between lower bone mineral density that occurs with osteoporosis and the prevalence of PAD.
• Hormonal Factors: Changes in estrogen levels, particularly during menopause, can affect vascular health, making women more vulnerable to atherosclerosis and PAD.

How Do Unique Risk Factors for PAD Impact Women?

Atypical presentation of symptoms and risk factors related to age, such as osteoporosis and hormonal changes, mean many women receive a late diagnosis of PAD, leading to worse outcomes in disease progression. They are more likely than men to require advanced treatments, such as surgical intervention, and to face complications like amputations or cardiovascular events. Women can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe PAD by recognizing symptoms, adopting preventive measures, and seeking early medical advice.  

CVT Surgical Center has over 30 years of experience in diagnosing and treating serious conditions like PAD. Our accredited Vascular Lab is a trusted leader in Baton Rouge, specializing in non-invasive techniques like ultrasound to accurately assess blood flow and detect blockages. Our team of experienced vascular specialists provides personalized care, ensuring early diagnosis, effective treatment plans, and comprehensive management to improve your vascular health and quality of life. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step to protect your vascular health.