Exploring Peripheral Arterial Disease in Women

We explore the challenges of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in women, with two renowned experts: Professor Maarit Venermo and Professor Mirjami Laivuori.Together, we discuss why PAD continues to be underdiagnosed in women despite equal or even higher prevalence, the limitations of the ankle–brachial index (ABI) in female patients, the intricate interplay between estrogen, menopause, and vascular health, the growing trend toward endovascular-first strategies in women, and the conflicting evidence surrounding revascularisation outcomes.An evidence-based and clinically relevant conversation awaits.ReferencesDivakaran S, Krawisz AK, Secemsky EA, Kant S. Sex and Racial Disparities in Peripheral Artery Disease. 2023Jelani QU, Petrov M, Martinez SC, Holmvang L, Al-Shaibi K, Alasnag M. Peripheral Arterial Disease in Women: an Overview of Risk Factor Profile, Clinical Features, and Outcomes. 2018Kozak M, Poredoš P, Blinc A, Kaja Ježovnik M, Poredoš P. Peripheral arterial disease in women. 2024Porras CP, Bots ML, Teraa M, van Doorn S, Vernooij RWM. Differences in Symptom Presentation in Women and Men with Confirmed Lower Limb Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2022Kavurma MM, Boccanfuso L, Cutmore C, Passam F, Patel S, Hennessy A, Loa J, Figtree GA, Golledge J, Robinson DA, Aitken S. A hidden problem: peripheral artery disease in women. 2023Srivaratharajah K, Abramson BL. Women and Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review of Sex Differences in Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Outcomes. 2018Pabon M, Cheng S, Altin SE, Sethi SS, Nelson MD, Moreau KL, Hamburg N, Hess CN. Sex Differences in Peripheral Artery Disease. 2022Twine CP, Kakkos SK, Aboyans V, Baumgartner I, Behrendt CA, Bellmunt-Montoya S, Jilma B, Nordanstig J, Saratzis A, Reekers JA, Zlatanovic P; ESVS Guidelines Committee; Antoniou GA, de Borst GJ, Bastos Gonçalves F, Chakfé N, Coscas R, Dias NV, Hinchliffe RJ, Kolh P, Lindholt JS, Mees BME, Resch TA, Trimarchi S, Tulamo R, Vermassen FEG, Wanhainen A; Document Reviewers; Koncar I, Fitridge R, Matsagkas M, Valgimigli M. European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on Antithrombotic Therapy for Vascular Diseases. 2023Nordanstig J, Behrendt CA, Baumgartner I, Belch J, Bäck M, Fitridge R, Hinchliffe R, Lejay A, Mills JL, Rother U, Sigvant B, Spanos K, Szeberin Z, van de Water W; ESVS Guidelines Committee; Antoniou GA, Björck M, Gonçalves FB, Coscas R, Dias NV, Van Herzeele I, Lepidi S, Mees BME, Resch TA, Ricco JB, Trimarchi S, Twine CP, Tulamo R, Wanhainen A; Document Reviewers; Boyle JR, Brodmann M, Dardik A, Dick F, Goëffic Y, Holden A, Kakkos SK, Kolh P, McDermott MM. European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Asymptomatic Lower Limb Peripheral Arterial Disease and Intermittent Claudication. 2024