Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Silent Threat with Preventable Consequences
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a progressive circulatory condition that affects millions globally, yet remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Characterised by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs—most commonly the legs—PAD can lead to severe complications, including limb amputation, if not identified and managed early.
The scope of the problem
Recent data paints a concerning picture. A March 2025 study revealed that a significant proportion of PAD cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, particularly among older adults and those with diabetes. The study found that nearly 50% of individuals with PAD were unaware of their condition, and many were not receiving appropriate medical intervention. This lack of awareness and treatment contributes to PAD being a leading cause of preventable amputations and a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Read the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery's article titled 'Streamlined Clinical Management Pathways May Reduce Major Amputations in Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia: A Prospective Cohort Study with Historical Controls' here.
New guidelines - a turning point
In September 2024, new international guidelines were released by the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) and supported by UK-based researchers. The new guidelines urge regular screenings to prevent peripheral arterial disease complications, read more.
The new guidelines emphasise:
- Routine screening for at-risk populations, including those over 65, smokers, and individuals with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
- Streamlined referral pathways to vascular specialists.
- Aggressive risk factor management, including smoking cessation, cholesterol control, and supervised exercise therapy.
The guidelines also highlight the importance of early diagnosis using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test—a simple, non-invasive procedure that can be performed in primary care settings.
Clinical negligence implications
From a legal perspective, the evolving standards of care for PAD have important implications. Failure to...
- Recognise PAD symptoms (e.g., leg pain when walking, non-healing wounds),
- Refer patients for timely vascular assessment,
- Follow updated screening and treatment guidelines,
...could constitute clinical negligence, particularly if such omissions result in avoidable amputations or cardiovascular events.
PAD is a common yet often overlooked condition with serious consequences. The latest research and guidelines offer a clear roadmap for prevention and early intervention. For patients, awareness and advocacy can be the difference between mobility and amputation.
Get in touch
The content of this page is a summary of the law in force at the date of publication and is not exhaustive, nor does it contain definitive advice. Specialist legal advice should be sought in relation to any queries that may arise.
Law Firm of the Year
We are proud to have been named Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Legal Business Awards 2024!
Legal Business is the market-leading monthly magazine for the UK and global legal market. Its readership spans the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, and the awards celebrate the very best in the legal profession.
This win is absolute recognition for all the hard work across the firm over the past year.
Related expertise
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.