Millions of women living with hidden condition that causes sudden heart attacks.
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A new report from the American Heart Association has raised alarm bells, warning that millions of women may be unknowingly living with a silent health condition that significantly increases their risk of strokes and heart attacks. Officially, at least 10 million Americans are diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that narrows arteries and restricts blood flow throughout the body. However, experts fear the true number could be far higher, particularly among women, due to under-recognition and insufficient research, leading to delayed diagnoses and heightened risks of severe complications, including strokes caused by interrupted blood supply to the brain.
The report highlights peripheral artery disease (PAD), the most common form of PVD, which affects approximately 10 million Americans, primarily in the blood vessels of the legs. Researchers have found that women are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing symptoms that are dismissed or overlooked, resulting in more severe disease progression. Women are more than twice as likely to face serious complications compared to men and are less aware of subtle warning signs, such as leg pain while walking. The American Heart Association is calling for urgent action, including increased research, greater inclusion of women in clinical trials, and tailored prevention and treatment strategies to address these disparities and improve outcomes.
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The implications of PVD are severe, with the condition affecting roughly 12 in 100,000 Americans and contributing to risks like stroke and high blood pressure. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, hair loss, shiny skin, and cold or numb toes, with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity further elevating the danger. Within five years of a PAD diagnosis, one in three patients may die, and one in five could suffer a heart attack or stroke. The report underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to prevent the devastating consequences of this understudied condition, particularly among women.