Cureus Provides an Equitable, Efficient Publishing and Peer Reviewing Experience Without Sacrificing Publication Times.

Cureus, a notable platform in the realm of medical publishing, has recently highlighted its commitment to enhancing the publishing and peer-reviewing process for clinical studies, particularly regarding peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its underdiagnosis in women. A stark case presented involves a 63-year-old female patient with multiple comorbidities, who developed acute coronary syndrome linked to a complete occlusion of the abdominal aorta, underscoring the dire consequences of delayed diagnosis of PAD. The article elaborates on how women present atypical symptoms and face significant barriers in receiving timely and accurate diagnoses compared to men, leading to healthcare disparities. The American Heart Association's (AHA) recently released scientific statement also emphasizes the significant disparities that exist in the recognition, prevention, and treatment of PAD in women versus men. Despite its prominence as a major factor in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the unique challenges faced by women, including the risk factors and resulting outcomes, remain poorly understood and often neglected in clinical practice. This highlights a crucial takeaway for both clinicians and patients: awareness and proactive screening, specifically utilizing the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) for women presenting with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease, can immensely aid early detection of PAD. Current guidelines do not endorse screening for asymptomatic patients; however, this case argues for a shift towards a more inclusive approach. Through the lens of this significant case, it becomes evident that women, particularly those who are elderly or have multiple comorbidities, experience higher mortality rates and poorer outcomes from PAD. Not only do women often present at an older age with more severe symptoms, but they also face significant underrepresentation in clinical research, leading to a lack of understanding concerning effective treatments. Implementing comprehensive policies targeting gender-specific healthcare disparities through regular screenings and improved clinical trial inclusivity can profoundly alter the trajectory for women with PAD. Early identification and prompt management of risk factors should be prioritized, especially as it relates to lifestyle modifications and medication management. This case serves as a clarion call for health professionals to challenge the biases that pervade the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in women, ensuring equitable healthcare for all. This article and its findings have been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence, further corroborating the necessity to refine our approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and treating PAD in women.