The multi-society PAD Pulse Alliance is taking part in a peripheral arterial disease (PAD) public awareness campaign called “Get a Pulse on PAD”.
The group—formed of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) and Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR)—aims to educate people on PAD risk factors and potential symptoms, as well as to encourage patients to advocate for their own health with their doctors.
The awareness campaign, taglined “Kick Off the Conversation,” kicked off as the PAD Pulse Alliance released survey data showing that 70% of Americans are unaware of the disease, contributing to 400 amputations performed each day in the USA. The top risk factors for PAD are common chronic health conditions that disproportionately impact underserved communities. Yet among Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 80% report never having a doctor or healthcare provider discuss PAD with them.
“These new insights are particularly concerning among those most at risk and come at a time when a staggering one in 20 Americans over 50 years of age experience PAD,” said SCAI President George D Dangas (Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City, USA). “The survey confirms what we feared: millions don’t have the tools they need to help start a conversation with their healthcare providers because patients are unaware of their risks and the common signs and symptoms. That’s why we’re encouraging anyone with leading risk factors, diabetes, high blood pressure and use of tobacco products, to know your ‘three for PAD’ and talk to your doctor.”
Data from the PAD Pulse Alliance survey highlights a disconnect among people between the risk factors and their personal perceived risk of PAD. Nearly 75% of Black and Hispanic adults surveyed report having or knowing someone who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or is a smoker, but only 30% believe they could be at risk. This is in stark contrast to real-world impact. Black people are twice as likely to suffer from PAD and up to four times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to white people. Hispanics present with more progressive PAD leading to worse outcomes including greater risk of amputation.
“The disturbing variations in PAD prevalence, treatments and outcomes underscore another perilous consequence of the health equity gap in managing chronic conditions,” said Foluso Fakorede (Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi, Cleveland, USA), co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists PAD Initiative. “It’s critical to increase awareness among racial and ethnically marginalised communities and the providers who serve them to close the gap. This campaign is one way we are doing just that, but it will take an ongoing conversation to ensure we’re meeting patients where they are with the tools and resources they need.”
“Screening for PAD is easy, quick, and non-invasive. Yet, this survey confirmed that critical patient-provider conversations addressing common symptoms aren’t happening,” said SIR President Alda L Tam (University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA). “If we can educate more people on the risk factors and early warning signs associated with PAD, it’s our hope we can foster dialogue earlier between providers and patients to kick off screening and treatment—ultimately preventing amputations and saving lives.”
“The collaboration among these medical societies is a testament to the devastating impact PAD can have on people, families and whole communities if not diagnosed and treated early, and, importantly, early treatment usually consists of medication and lifestyle changes,” said SVS President Joseph L Mills (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA). “We hope that care teams will continue to collaborate to ensure early and proper diagnosis with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients.”
To help educate patients and give them the tools to start the conversation, the PAD Pulse Alliance published a website and patient toolkit at PADPulse.org.
