Most Americans Haven’t Discussed Vascular Disease With a Doctor, SVS Survey Finds

A new Society for Vascular Surgery survey finds growing public interest in vascular health, but few Americans are talking to clinicians about their vascular disease risk. The gap matters because vascular disease affects more than 40 million people in the U.S. and can lead to stroke, heart attack and preventable amputation if untreated.

Why it matters: - Vascular disease affects more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 70% of adults over age 65. - If untreated, vascular disease can lead to stroke, heart attack and preventable amputation. - Nearly 70% of Americans have never discussed vascular disease with a healthcare provider, even as interest in vascular health grows.

What happened: - The Society for Vascular Surgery released a new survey on Americans’ awareness of vascular health and their willingness to seek care. - Google searches for vascular health have more than doubled between 2021 and 2026. - The survey found that 69% of Americans have never talked to a healthcare provider about vascular disease risk. - About 72% of Americans said they would wait at least a few days before scheduling a doctor’s appointment if they had persistent leg pain and difficulty walking.

The details: - Risk factors for vascular disease include being over 65, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and current or past tobacco use. - Persistent pain, swelling or discoloration in the legs, arms or feet can signal a vascular problem and should not be ignored. - Nearly two-thirds of Americans, or 63%, said they would take action after receiving a test result showing increased risk of a serious health condition. - Among people at risk for peripheral artery disease, 73% said they would be most likely to get screened if a doctor recommended it. - In that same group, 65% said they would get screened after learning PAD can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. - The survey points to a gap between public curiosity about vascular health and actual medical conversations about prevention and symptoms.

Between the lines: - The survey suggests many Americans may recognize vascular health as a topic worth searching online, but not as one that warrants prompt medical attention. - Dr. Chelsea Dorsey said the vascular system works like a network of highways delivering oxygen throughout the body, and unrecognized symptoms can lead to serious complications. - Dr. Chelsea Dorsey also said people trust physicians and are ready to listen when doctors raise an issue. - The results suggest physician-led conversations may be one of the strongest triggers for screening and earlier action.

What's next: - The Society for Vascular Surgery is directing people to learn more about vascular health. - The survey’s findings point to a continued need for education on symptoms, risk factors and when to seek screening. - The data suggest doctors may play a key role in closing the gap between public interest and preventive care.