Leg pain. Cramping. Trouble walking. These symptoms are often written off as normal parts of getting older. What most women don’t realize is that these common discomforts might also point to vascular disease, widespread but frequently overlooked conditions that affect the blood vessels. Today, vascular disease impacts more than 40 million Americans, including almost 70% of all adults over 65.1
That number is only going to climb. About 61 million American women will reach age 50 or older by 2030,2 placing them squarely at the age associated with the highest risk of vascular disease.
Despite this, nearly seven in 10 Americans3 have never discussed vascular disease with a healthcare provider. The good news is that symptoms can be easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are a few potential signs worth paying attention to and discussing with your doctor.
- Leg pain that goes away with rest:
Say you’re out walking, hiking or gardening, and your leg starts to hurt, but the pain disappears once you stop moving. While you might chalk that up to getting older, this pattern is actually the most common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), one of the most prevalent vascular conditions.
PAD affects more than 10 million Americans,4 and rates in women have been climbing for decades. Left unaddressed, PAD can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and even amputation. If you notice these symptoms on a regular basis, talk to your healthcare provider right away.
- Physical changes in your legs or feet
Since vascular disease can impact blood flow to the legs, feet and pelvis, you may notice confusing or unfamiliar physical symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you get treated sooner.
Physical changes like leg or calf swelling, discoloration, cold or numb toes, hair loss on the lower leg and recurring leg cramps can be signs of a circulation problem that should not be ignored.
- Risk factors you may not realize matter
Women over 65, along with anyone managing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of smoking, face a higher risk of vascular disease. Still, 74% of women say they’ve never talked about that risk with a doctor.5
At your next checkup, ask your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and potential symptoms. When in doubt, get checked out: who knows what a five-minute conversation can catch.