Since 1995, the number of U.S. citizens with PAD has approximately doubled from 11 million to over 22 million. PAD is extremely costly with a current economic burden of $352-$694 billion, accounting for 7%-13% of National Health Expenditures.

“Although PAD prevalence exceeds that of heart disease and stroke, compared to these other cardiovascular diseases, PAD remains underappreciated. PAD is a significant source of morbidity and mortality, as well as a major cause of physical disability. However, PAD remains underestimated, underdiagnosed and undertreated,” stated Mary L. Yost, President of THE SAGE GROUP.

According to Yost, “Existing PAD estimates are outdated. Current numbers are significantly higher than the commonly quoted estimate of 8-12 million, which was based on the U.S. population circa 1995. In the last 30 years, the population had aged and become considerably more diabetic, two major risk factors for PAD.”

“Our PAD estimates employ the Diabetes Method, which calculates PAD by age and glucose status in those ages 45-64 and those 65 and older. The percentages of the population with diabetes and with PAD are based on data in the peer-reviewed literature,” Yost explained.

“Prevalence is a critical determinate of the societal and economic burden of a disease,” Ms. Yost declared. “Accurately estimating the size of a disease is a necessary first step to create solutions, including earlier diagnosis and treatment. Understating prevalence minimizes the magnitude of the problem, reducing incentives for healthcare administrators, legislators and other government officials to take corrective action.”

“Underestimated prevalence is one reason that patients and non-specialist physicians are unaware of the disease and its adverse consequences. In addition, PAD has a public relations problem (PR). It has no PR. Lack of knowledge and awareness delays diagnosis resulting in patients being treated at the more severe disease stages. Advanced disease severity is a key factor that increases costs and results in more adverse patient outcomes,” Yost continued.

Additional information about PAD prevalence can be found in Vascular Disease Management 2023;20(4):E67-E73 at The Current U.S. Prevalence of PAD | Vascular Disease Management.

THE SAGE GROUP, a research and consulting company, specializes in arterial and venous disease in the lower limbs.

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