Why Peripheral Artery Disease Is Dangerously Underdiagnosed in Women

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 10 to 12 million Americans live with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Though early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the likelihood of serious complications, PAD often flies under the radar — especially among women.

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, we take a comprehensive approach to women’s health. Our team, led by John Terzian, MD, FACC, recognizes that certain conditions may present differently in women than in men and considers this when evaluating your symptoms and risk factors.

Read on to learn why so many women with PAD go undiagnosed and what steps you can take to protect your vascular health.

What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

PAD occurs when narrowing or blockages in the peripheral arteries restrict blood flow to your extremities, typically the legs. Over time, a lack of oxygen-rich blood can cause irreversible tissue damage in the affected limb, potentially leading to amputation.

Most cases result from atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaque on the artery walls. Since plaque buildup can also affect other major blood vessels, people with PAD have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Why PAD in women can be challenging to identify

PAD affects all people at similar rates. However, certain factors can make it more difficult for female patients to receive a timely diagnosis:

Classic symptoms may be absent

One of the most common symptoms of PAD is leg pain or cramping that flares up during exercise and disappears at rest, known as claudication. But women are more likely than men to be asymptomatic or experience vague discomfort that doesn’t follow a predictable pattern.

Symptoms may be mistaken for another condition

When symptoms such as leg fatigue or heaviness do appear, patients and providers may attribute them to another condition, such as arthritis or normal aging. This can delay further evaluation, allowing the underlying circulatory problem to go undetected.

Women are underrepresented in clinical trials

Much of what medical science knows about PAD comes from studies conducted primarily on men. More research is needed to fully understand how sex-based differences affect the diagnosis, symptoms, and outcomes of PAD.

Protecting your long-term vascular health

Routine checkups are essential for catching PAD in its earliest, most treatable stages, especially if you smoke or have a chronic condition like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or kidney disease.

Your lifestyle choices also play an important role. Avoiding tobacco, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly help reduce plaque buildup within your arteries and support healthy circulation.

Talk to our team about any unusual symptoms such as leg or foot pain, numbness, weakness, temperature changes, or slow-healing wounds — even if they seem minor. We offer vascular testing to evaluate your circulation and identify narrowed or blocked arteries.

If the results confirm PAD, our team personalizes your treatment plan and helps guide your next steps. Following your care plan closely can slow the progression of the disease and lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, or limb loss.

When it comes to your vascular health, early detection and patient-focused care make all the difference. Contact Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC to schedule an appointment at our West Bridgewater, Massachusetts practice.