Ethnicity and peripheral artery disease

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an important healthcare problem and is an indicator of widespread atherosclerosis in other vascular territories, such as the cerebral and coronary circulations. PAD is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Most population-based studies investigating PAD prevalence and risk factors for its development and progression have been based on predominantly White ethnic groups. Much less is known about the characteristics of this disease in other ethnic groups. Understanding the epidemiology of PAD amongst ethnic minority groups is relevant, given that the population of minority ethnic groups in countries such as the United Kingdom rose by 53% between 1991 and 2001 and is expected to rise further in the future. This article aims to provide an overview of possible pathophysiological differences between ethnic groups for PAD, focussing predominantly on South Asians (people originating from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and Blacks (people of Black Caribbean and Black African descent) as these groups comprise the majority of all ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom.

Paradoxically lower prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in South Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…SA studies suggest that the ethnic differences found in PAD prevalence are related to the heterogeneity of risk factors found in SAs where traditional risk factors alone do not explain the higher cardiovascular burden in this ethnic group 3. While smoking is a strong risk factor for PAD, smoking rates are generally less in SAs (particularly in females) than WEs; however, adjustment for smoking rates or pack years does not explain the ethnic discrepancy in PAD prevalence 3 18.…”

Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Derived Microvesicles Improve Neovascularization in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia

“…Peripheral arterial disease causes intractable ischemia, impaired mobility, compromised wound healing, ulceration, and amputations (1,2). EPC transplantation has been suggested as an angiogenic strategy.…”

“…The age-adjusted prevalence of peripheral arterial disease is approximately 12%, and affects men and women equally. The typical clinical manifestation is claudication, nevertheless 5% ofpatients undergo an amputation within 5 years (1,2). …”

The Prevalence of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease Risk Factors in the US Population

“…Bennett et al 66 reported that elevated or high SBP and DBP are major independent risk factors for CHD and stroke. The Prospective Studies Collaboration 67 noted that in those 40 to 69 years of age, the risk of death from stroke or heart disease increases more than 2-fold for every SBP increment of 20 mm/Hg or DBP increment of 10 mm/Hg, beginning with an SBP of 115 mm/Hg and a DBP of 75 mm/Hg.…”