 |
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) isn’t just a man’s problem. In fact, it’s an underrecognized and often misdiagnosed condition in women—despite the fact that it can lead to serious health problems like chronic leg pain, non-healing wounds, and even limb loss.
At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, we want women to know the signs, understand the risks, and take steps to protect their vascular health.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition where narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to your legs and feet. It’s usually caused by atherosclerosis—a buildup of plaque in the arteries—and it can be a warning sign that you’re also at risk for heart attack or stroke.
Why PAD Often Goes Undiagnosed in Women
PAD affects millions of women, especially over age 50, but many go undiagnosed for years. Why? Because:
- Symptoms are different or milder in women than in men.
- Women often attribute leg discomfort to aging, arthritis, or being out of shape.
- PAD is commonly overlooked during routine checkups, especially in women without classic risk factors.
Unique Symptoms of PAD in Women
While men may experience the classic symptom of leg pain with walking (called claudication), women with PAD may experience:
- Achy, heavy, or tired legs
- Slower walking pace
- Numbness or cold feet
- Non-healing sores on the toes or feet
- Leg pain at rest—especially at night
These symptoms might not seem serious at first, but they could be early warning signs of significant vascular disease.
Risk Factors Women Should Know
PAD risk increases with age, but certain factors make it more likely in women:
- Smoking (current or past use)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Postmenopausal status
- Family history of vascular disease
- Pregnancy complications (like preeclampsia)
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus)
Why PAD Matters for Women
PAD is more than just a circulation issue. It can lead to:
- Wounds that don’t heal—which may require amputation if untreated
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Reduced mobility and independence
- Chronic leg pain that affects daily life
Early detection can prevent complications—and restore quality of life.
How the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga Can Help
At VIC, we specialize in early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment for PAD. With five locations and appointments available in 1–3 days, we make it easy for women to get the vascular care they deserve.
We offer:
- Painless, in-office vascular screenings
- Advanced diagnostic imaging
- Personalized treatment plans
- Expert care from board-certified vascular specialists
You don’t need a referral to schedule—just give us a call.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If you’ve been experiencing unexplained leg pain, fatigue when walking, or wounds that won’t heal—it could be PAD. The earlier we detect it, the more we can do to help.
👉 Call the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga today to schedule your screening.
📍 With 5 convenient locations, help is never far away.
Empower the Women in Your Life
PAD doesn’t have to be a silent threat. Share this blog with your friends, sisters, moms, and daughters. The more women know, the more lives we can protect.
