Study examines peripheral artery disease in the Hispanic population

A recent study of peripheral artery disease in the Hispanic population found that Hispanic patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) are much more likely to have the condition treated in a hospital emergency department instead of a primary care provider. 

The study examined 1,018,220 PAD hospitalizations from 2011 to 2017, and found that in addition to Hispanics being more likely than non-Hispanics through the emergency department, the rate increased over time, with the ER accounting for 50% of the hospitalizations at the beginning of the study and 70% at the end of the study.

In addition, Hispanic experienced worse outcomes from PAD hospitalizations, experiencing longer stays of 4.5 days versus 3.7 days for non-Hispanic adults. In addition, the Hispanic average hospitalization cost averaged $63,813 versus 52,368 for non-Hispanics.

The study underscores the importance of community-based programs to address peripheral artery disease in the  Hispanic population. Systems like PADnet® can support screening for early treatment, leading to improved patient outcomes.

“Our findings reinforce other research that indicates Hispanic individuals often lack a usual source for routine health care and frequently defer or avoid care due to costs, instead of delaying care, a better way to manage PAD and reduce the risks of future complications is with regular evaluation and follow-up, usually with a primary care doctor or vascular specialist.”
Kristie Harris, Ph.D.
Yale School of Medicine