01/13/2026
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects both men and women—but women often face unique challenges. Studies estimate that 20–30% of women over 70 have PAD, yet it’s frequently underdiagnosed and under-treated in women.
Key differences for women:
➡️ Women are more likely to have atypical or no symptoms, making diagnosis harder.
➡️ Leg pain, rest pain, or wounds may present differently, and women are often diagnosed 10–20 years later than men.
➡️ Certain groups, like Black women over 70, have higher PAD and amputation risk.
➡️ A history of vascular issues related to pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia) may increase PAD risk.
Women may see less improvement with exercise therapy and report a lower quality of life after PAD treatment.
Early evaluation is crucial. At National Vascular Physicians, our specialized vascular physicians provide thorough diagnosis and both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Learn more about how we treat PAD: nationalvascularphysicians.com/areas-of-care/vein-disease/