New Interactive Map Reveals Alarming Rates of PAD-Related Amputations Across U.S.

The PAD Collaborative, a consortium of 17 organizations led by the American Heart Association, has unveiled a groundbreaking interactive online heat map that visualizes the risk of non-traumatic lower limb amputations across the United States. This innovative tool, designed to combat the severe complications of peripheral artery disease (PAD), offers state-specific data to help healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public understand and address this critical health issue.

PAD, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in peripheral arteries that reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, affects over 10-12 million people in the U.S. The disease disproportionately impacts Black adults, who are twice as likely to develop PAD. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. If left unmanaged, PAD can lead to severe complications, including approximately 150,000 non-traumatic leg amputations annually in the United States.

The Non-Traumatic Lower Extremity Amputations by Congressional District Heat Map utilizes publicly available data from Medicare and the U.S. Census Bureau for 2017 and 2018. It presents relative rates of lower limb amputation both geographically and by U.S. Congressional district. The map reveals that states such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina face high risks, with Mississippi showing the highest risk overall.

Dr. Marc Bonaca, a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at CPC Clinical Research and CPC Community Health, emphasized the importance of this tool: "Increasing knowledge surrounding peripheral artery disease and the potential complication of lower limb amputation is vital, especially considering many people who are at high risk don't even know what PAD is."

The heat map serves as a crucial resource for healthcare professionals to understand amputation data in their regions. This information can inform decisions about patient and staff education, health programs, community screenings, and research and advocacy initiatives. The tool also highlights systemic barriers that place rural populations and Black, Native American, and low socioeconomic status individuals at the greatest risk of amputation.

In response to these challenges, the PAD Collaborative has developed the PAD National Action Plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to reduce the burden of peripheral artery disease through six major goal areas: Public Awareness, Detection and Treatment, Research, Public Education, Public Health, and Advocacy.

The release of this heat map aligns with the broader goals of the PAD Collaborative to increase public awareness, prevent complications, address health barriers, and improve quality of life for those living with PAD. By providing a visual representation of amputation risk across the country, the tool empowers healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to take targeted action in high-risk areas.

As the United States grapples with the significant health and economic impacts of PAD-related amputations, this new resource offers a data-driven approach to addressing the issue. The heat map not only illustrates the current state of PAD-related amputations but also serves as a call to action for improved screening, management, and care systems in vulnerable communities.

The PAD Collaborative's efforts, including the release of this interactive map, represent a significant step forward in the fight against peripheral artery disease and its complications. By highlighting areas of greatest need and providing a roadmap for action, this initiative has the potential to save limbs and lives across the nation.