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Review
. 2022 Jun;35(2):141-154.
doi: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2022.05.003. Epub 2022 May 8.

Disparities in peripheral artery disease care: A review and call for action

Falen Demsas  1 , Malachi M Joiner  1 , Kate Telma  1 , Alyssa M Flores  2 , Semhar Teklu  3 , Elsie Gyang Ross  4
Affiliations
Review

Disparities in peripheral artery disease care: A review and call for action

Falen Demsas et al. Semin Vasc Surg. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), the pathophysiologic narrowing of arterial blood vessels of the lower leg due to atherosclerosis, is a highly prevalent disease that affects more than 6 million individuals 40 years and older in the United States, with sharp increases in prevalence with age. Morbidity and mortality rates in patients with PAD range from 30% to 70% during the 5- to 15-year period after diagnosis and PAD is associated with poor health outcomes and reduced functionality and quality of life. Despite advances in medical, endovascular, and open surgical techniques, there is striking variation in care among population subgroups defined by sex, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, with concomitant differences in preoperative medication optimization, amputation risk, and overall health outcomes. We reviewed studies from 1995 to 2021 to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current impact of disparities on the treatment and management of PAD and offer action items that require strategic partnership with primary care providers, researchers, patients, and their communities. With new technologies and collaborative approaches, optimal management across all population subgroups is possible.

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Figures

Fig, 1 –
Fig, 1 –
Article selection process and results.
Fig. 2 –
Fig. 2 –
How structural racism leads to disparities in peripheral artery disease outcomes for Black Americans. CVD = cardiovascular disease [100].
Fig. 3 –
Fig. 3 –
Summary of action items by disparity category. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; PAD, peripheral artery disease.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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