Vascular health in primary care: Spotting disease early

Family physicians routinely care for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a history of smoking. All of these factors can increase the risk of vascular disease, but vascular health is not often part of the conversation. The Society for Vascular Surgery’s recent state of vascular health survey found that nearly seven in ten Americans (69%) have never discussed vascular disease with a healthcare professional.¹ The gap exists on the clinician side too, with more than two-thirds of clinicians (67%) reporting that they don’t discuss vascular disease risk as part of a patient’s annual check-up.²

Vascular disease affects arteries and veins, potentially reducing or blocking blood flow. More than 40 million Americans are living with vascular conditions,³ and nearly 100 million Americans are reaching an age associated with increased vascular disease risk.⁴ Routine visits offer an opportunity to discuss vascular health and identify patients who may need further evaluation.

No single risk factor tells the whole story. Age, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history can contribute to vascular risk, with multiple factors potentially compounding that risk. Considering them together can provide a bigger picture of a patient’s vascular health.

Building on trust to support vascular health

Risk factors take on added significance when patients also report potential symptoms of vascular disease. Leg pain or cramping while walking that goes away at rest, difficulty walking, cold or numb toes, discoloration, and slow-healing wounds can signal an underlying vascular condition.

Patients might not discuss these concerns because they attribute them to normal signs of aging or assume they are not serious; some patients might not notice any symptoms at all. In 2026, nearly three out of four Americans (72%) said they would wait at least a few days before seeking care for persistent leg pain or difficulty walking.¹ In serious cases, delaying care can limit treatment options and increase the risk of serious complications, including limb loss.

Family physicians are a trusted source of guidance for patients making health decisions. Seventy-three percent of Americans say a physician’s recommendation would motivate them to get screened for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common vascular condition that can lead to amputation if left untreated.¹ Routine visits can build on that trust, encouraging patients to discuss their symptoms and take action.

For patients with vascular risk factors, asking about changes in walking, persistent leg or foot discomfort, and slow-healing wounds may help surface concerns that otherwise go unmentioned.

Know when to involve a vascular surgeon

When a patient’s risk factors and symptoms suggest possible vascular disease, a vascular surgeon can provide specialized expertise to help clarify a diagnosis and guide next steps.

Vascular surgeons are the only specialists who treat the full continuum of vascular disease, from prevention and medical management to minimally invasive and surgical treatment. Involving a vascular surgeon can help ensure patients receive care appropriate for their condition.

Learn more about vascular health and patient risk at YourVascularHealth.org​.