ROSEMONT, Ill.—A new survey from the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) reveals that vascular disease is considered one of the top three health crises facing older Americans, trailing only heart disease and cancer. Despite its serious consequences, one in three Americans has never heard of the condition, and most primary care providers (PCPs) lack the training and confidence to recognize its symptoms.
The findings are part of SVS’s nationwide “Highway to Health” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about vascular disease and encourage early intervention through collaboration between PCPs and vascular surgeons. With more than 100 million Americans expected to reach an age associated with high vascular risk by 2030, experts are sounding the alarm on the need for improved education and patient care strategies.
According to the SVS, many primary care providers are not adequately prepared to address vascular disease. Nearly 80 percent of PCPs reported lacking confidence in diagnosing the condition, and only six percent were able to correctly identify symptoms such as difficulty walking, cold feet, and leg cramps. Furthermore, more than two-thirds of providers said they do not discuss vascular risk with patients during routine checkups. Many also reported limited exposure to vascular disease during medical training, with 41 percent saying their education was minimal or nonexistent in this area.
SVS President Dr. Matthew Eagleton emphasized the importance of integrating vascular surgeons into patient care teams to improve outcomes. He noted that early consultation with a vascular specialist can often help patients avoid surgery altogether, as comprehensive care frequently includes non-invasive treatments and ongoing disease management.
Vascular disease affects blood circulation and can lead to serious complications, including amputations, non-healing wounds, and preventable deaths. Risk factors include being over the age of 65, having diabetes, using tobacco, and having high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Symptoms may appear as pain, swelling, or discoloration in the legs or feet, as well as cold or numb toes and non-healing ulcers.
Dr. William Shutze, secretary of SVS, stressed the value of proactive and coordinated care. He said vascular surgeons are committed to early intervention and to working with primary care providers and specialists to deliver personalized, non-surgical treatment options when appropriate.
The SVS is encouraging healthcare providers to use routine visits to screen for vascular risk factors and symptoms and to refer patients to specialists early in the disease process. Greater awareness, the group says, can lead to better long-term outcomes and fewer severe complications.
