Abbas Ali, MD MS FACC

Estimates of overall PAD prevalence in USA range from 15-20% in patients over 70 years old.  In the Middle East, the prevalence of PAD is 11.7%. Among patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), those with critical limb ischemia have advanced disease, with high mortality and morbidity. In North America, 500-1000 CLI patients per million are expected. Of patients with CLI, 40% are expected to lose their limbs in six months and 20% die in 6 to 12 months.  A year later, CLI is expected to have been resolved in only a fourth of the patients. Thus, a case could be made for early recognition and treatment of CLI.

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PAD patients are characterized by a high co-morbidity.  Atherothrombosis is particularly prevalent with PAD.  PAD patients have also shown higher risk for diabetes, lipid disorders, and hypertension.

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An estimated $11-25 billion dollars is paid due to CLI in the USA alone. A major share of this is spent on amputations. An estimated 25% of patients are free of CLI at one year overall. Thus, early detection and revascularization have the promise of conservatively  saving up to $6 billion.  Approximately 8 million Americans are affected with PAD.  Prevalence of the disease increases with age and disproportionately affects blacks.  

The average cost of treatment out of Medicare for PAD related services approximates $1653 (+/-$106).