Leg pain, cramping, or weakness when you walk can be more than “just getting older.” The latest peripheral artery statistics show just how many people are affected by reduced blood flow to the legs.
Here, we’ll break down current data on PAD prevalence, age, sex, race, risk factors, related cardiovascular conditions, amputations, and mortality.
PAD affects your arteries, but many symptoms involving your legs and circulation can also be linked to vein disease.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, Dr. Anthony Alfieri provides cardiologist-led evaluations and minimally invasive treatments for spider veins, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis to identify what’s causing your symptoms and support healthier circulation.
Noticing changes in your legs or circulation? Schedule your consultation today and protect your vascular health.
Peripheral Artery Disease Prevalence
How many people worldwide have peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide.
Has peripheral artery disease become more common worldwide?
Yes. The estimated global prevalence of peripheral artery disease increased by 72%, from about 65.8 million people in 1990 to 113.4 million in 2019.
How many Americans have peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease affects more than 12 million people in the United States.
How many Americans aged 40 and older have peripheral artery disease?
Nearly 10 million people age 40 and older in the United States have peripheral artery disease.
How common is peripheral artery disease in adults over age 50 worldwide?
Globally, PAD affects an estimated 10% to 15% of people over age 50.
Is peripheral artery disease more common in low- and middle-income countries or high-income countries?
Among adults ages 40–44, PAD prevalence was slightly higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries, at 4.32% versus 3.54%.
Peripheral Artery Disease by Age and Sex
Is peripheral artery disease more common in men or women?
Peripheral artery disease is similarly common in men and women aged 40 and older, affecting about 2.5% of men and 3.5% of women.
How does peripheral artery disease prevalence increase with age in men and women?
In 2019, PAD prevalence rose sharply with age:
- Per 100,000 men:
- Ages 40-44: 332.32 men
- Ages 95 and older: 17,195.57 men
- Per 100,000 women:
- Ages 40-44: 621.11
- Ages 95 and older: 24,965.3
Is peripheral artery disease more common in women with diabetes than men with diabetes?
Among people with diabetes in the United States, PAD prevalence is higher in women than men, affecting 13.7% of women compared with 10% of men.
Peripheral Artery Disease by Race and Ethnicity
Which racial group has the highest rates of peripheral artery disease?
Black men aged 50 and older have the highest reported prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
How does PAD prevalence vary among Black, White, and Asian populations in the US?
A systematic review found that PAD prevalence among different racial groups in the U.S. was as follows:
- Black populations: 6.7%
- White populations: 3.5%
- Asian populations: 3.7%
How does peripheral artery disease prevalence differ between Black and White adults by age?
Among Black men, PAD prevalence rises from about 5% at ages 50–59 to 13.2% at ages 60–69 and 59% at age 80 and older, compared with about 1.9%, 5.4%, and 22.6% among non-Hispanic White adults at similar ages.
What is the lifetime risk of peripheral artery disease by race and sex?
The estimated lifetime risk of PAD is as follows:
- Black men: 30%
- Black women: 27%
- Hispanic men: 22%
- Hispanic women: 22%
- White men: 19%
- White women: 19%
Which Hispanic or Latino group has the highest prevalence of peripheral artery disease?
Cuban Americans had a PAD prevalence of 9.1% and were nearly three times more likely to have peripheral artery disease than Mexican Americans or other Hispanic/Latino groups.
Are Black patients with peripheral artery disease more likely to need an amputation?
Black patients with peripheral artery disease have a 37% higher risk of amputation than White patients with PAD.
Peripheral Artery Disease Risk Factors and Related Conditions
What percentage of peripheral artery disease cases are caused by smoking?
A systematic review of 20,278 patients across 17 studies found that about half of all peripheral artery disease cases are caused by smoking.
How often do people with peripheral artery disease also have heart or cerebrovascular disease?
About 60% of people with peripheral artery disease are expected to also have ischemic heart disease, while roughly one-third have cerebrovascular disease.
Peripheral Artery Disease Mortality
What percentage of deaths worldwide are caused by peripheral artery disease?
In 2019, peripheral artery disease accounted for approximately 0.13% of all deaths worldwide.
Is peripheral artery disease more common in women or men?
Peripheral artery disease is slightly more common in women than men, with prevalence rates of 3.8% and 3.2%, respectively.
Protect Your Long-Term Health with Cardiologist-Led Vein Care
Changes in your circulation can affect your leg health, so if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other vascular symptoms, don’t wait to see a doctor.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, Dr. Anthony Alfieri provides cardiologist-led evaluations and minimally invasive vein treatments to improve circulation, address vein disease, and support your long-term vascular health.
Schedule your consultation today and take a proactive step toward healthier legs and better circulation.
Sources
- Matthew A. Allison, MD, MPH, FAHA. “Health Disparities in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.” American Heart Association. June 15, 2023.
- Lilla Horváth. “Epidemiology of Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrative Review.” National Library of Medicine. July 12, 2022.
- Mark A. Eid, MD, MS. “The global burden of peripheral artery disease.” ScienceDirect. October 15, 2021.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Facts About Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.).” December 2021.