The American Heart Association (AHA) has reported that poor patients of color suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD) have a higher risk of amputation.
Preliminary research findings were presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2016 event.
“There may be biological mechanisms still unknown as to why black patients are at a higher risk for amputations in PAD, but access to care is an important independent contributor to the risk,” Dr. Shipra Arya, Emory University School of Medicine assistant professor of surgery and study lead author, said. “Treatment for PAD is multimodal. It includes optimal medical management of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, in addition to supervised exercise, which is not yet covered by insurance.”
PAD usually affects the legs. Blood flow is restricted by fat, cholesterol and other substances. Untreated PAD can result in heart attack, stroke and gangrene in the legs. Gangrene, or tissue death, can result in amputation.
The data showed that when blacks and whites in the same socioeconomic status were compared, the black patients had a 43 percent higher risk of amputation. Poverty was also implicated in amputation rates, with poor patients facing a 37 percent higher risk compared to those of medium and high-level incomes.
“Patients living in zip codes with a high poverty burden also have incrementally higher risk of amputation, suggesting a role for access to care in determining outcomes for PAD,” Arya said.
