Silent Vascular Threat: Nearly 70% of Americans Unaware of PAD - The Leading Cause of Preventable Amputations

During PAD Awareness Month, the Society for Vascular Surgery Urges Americans to Learn How to Safeguard Their Vascular Health

ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite vascular disease dominating headlines in recent months—from prominent public figures with visible symptoms and diagnoses to studies showing COVID-19 accelerates vascular aging in women—most Americans remain unaware of the risks. According to a recent national survey by the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans don't know about peripheral artery disease (PAD), a leading cause of preventable amputations and a warning sign of broader vascular disease. Even more concerning, 85% are unfamiliar with the role of vascular surgeons, the specialists with the most comprehensive training to diagnose and treat these life-threatening conditions.

PAD is a global health burden impacting more than 200 million people, with an increased prevalence in those over 50 years old. Yet PAD is only one of more than 25 vascular diseases that can damage circulation, leading to reduced quality of life, serious complications, or death.

Vascular disease symptoms are often subtle and easy to dismiss, with almost one in three Americans (29%) waiting weeks before seeking care for persistent leg pain and walking difficulty [SVS Consumer Survey]. Delaying care can allow disease to progress, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, amputation, or death.

"From politicians and professional athletes to the everyday Americans, vascular conditions affect people in different ways—some experience leg pain when walking, while others have no symptoms at all," said Keith Calligaro, MD, DFSVS, Society for Vascular Surgery President. "What's alarming is that over half of vascular-related amputations are preventable with timely intervention, yet most Americans don't even know PAD exists. This PAD Awareness Month, we want to empower people to recognize their risk and take action to safeguard their vascular health."

Meanwhile, millions of Americans live with common risk factors but rarely discuss them with their doctor—nearly two-thirds (63%) say they have never had a conversation about vascular health [SVS Consumer Survey]. Risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Tobacco use (current or former)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Smoking alone increases the risk of PAD fourfold, with the greatest impact on disease severity. Yet nearly half of tobacco users surveyed reported never having discussed vascular disease with their healthcare provider [SVS Consumer Survey].

To close this awareness gap, SVS recently launched Highway to Health, a three-year patient education campaign designed to help Americans understand their risk and initiate conversations with their doctor about whether a vascular surgeon should be part of their care team. Resources, including educational videos, checklists, and interactive tools, are available at YourVascularHealth.org.

About Highway to Health
Developed by SVS, the Highway to Health campaign aims to educate and raise awareness about the symptoms and risk factors associated with vascular disease as most underestimate their risk, leaving them vulnerable to serious health consequences including heart attack, stroke, amputation, and even death. We urge people to get checked out when in doubt and ask their doctor if seeing a vascular surgeon is right for them.

About SVS
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness. The organization was founded in 1946 and currently has a membership of more than 6,300. SVS membership is recognized in the vascular community as a mark of professional achievement.

Media Contact
Megan Marcinko
312-334-2356
[email protected]

SOURCE Society for Vascular Surgery