The Burden of Illness of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): A Review of Reviews

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common cluster of circulatory diseases characterized by narrowed arteries. Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. PAD is estimated to affect over 230 million people worldwide, indicating a significant global health concern.

METHODS: A literature search of Pubmed was conducted on the 13^th of June, 2023. The search was restricted to literature or systematic reviews published within ten years of the search date to include only current and relevant reviews. The search used terms considered both the study type and disease.

RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 75 publications. Of these, 17 were included after the first stage review. A further eleven studies were excluded after the second stage review.

CONCLUSIONS: The burden of illness related to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) extends beyond direct healthcare costs, significantly affecting patients' quality of life and societal productivity. However, there is a conspicuous gap in the literature, with a limited number of comprehensive reviews evaluating the entire burden of illness associated with PAD. A deeper understanding of the burden associated with PAD will provide critical insights into the cost-effectiveness of various diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, helping to prioritize interventions that can deliver optimal health outcomes.