The prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1995, exceeding 22 million in 2025, according to research by THE SAGE GROUP. The condition imposes a significant economic burden, estimated between $352 billion and $694 billion, which accounts for 7% to 13% of National Health Expenditures. This increase is driven by an aging population and a rise in diabetes, two major risk factors for the disease.

Mary L. Yost, President of THE SAGE GROUP, stated that PAD remains underappreciated despite exceeding the prevalence of heart disease and stroke. She noted that existing estimates are outdated and significantly higher than the commonly quoted range of 8 to 12 million, which was based on the U.S. population circa 1995. Yost emphasized that PAD is a major source of morbidity, mortality, and physical disability, yet it is often underestimated, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.

Methodology and Data

THE SAGE GROUP employed the Diabetes Method to calculate PAD prevalence. This approach calculates PAD by age and glucose status for individuals ages 45-64 and those 65 and older. The percentages of the population with diabetes and PAD are derived from data in peer-reviewed literature.

Implications of Underestimation

Yost declared that accurately estimating disease prevalence is a critical first step in creating solutions for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Understating prevalence minimizes the problem, reducing incentives for healthcare administrators and legislators to take corrective action. She added that PAD lacks public awareness, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment at more severe stages, which increases costs and worsens patient outcomes.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the US increased by 0.1% in May 2026 to 99.3 (2016=100), following a 0.2% increase in April. The rise was fueled entirely by positive contributions from financial components, particularly stock prices and the interest rate spread. Despite two consecutive monthly increases, the LEI is down 0.3% over the six months between November 2025 and May 2026, a smaller rate of decline than the 1.3% contraction over the previous six months.

"The Leading Index for the US increased slightly in May, fueled entirely by positive contributions from financial components, especially stock prices and the interest rate spread," said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager, Business Cycle Indicators, at The Conference Board. "On the non-financial side of the LEI, only ISM New Orders Index showed some strength, with consumer expectations remaining a major drag."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the US increased by 0.2% in May 2026 to 114.6 (2016=100), after a marginal increase of 0.1% in April. Overall, the CEI expanded by 0.6% over the six months between November 2025 and May 2026, an improvement from its growth of 0.2% over the previous six months. All components of the CEI made positive contributions in May.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) for the US dipped by 0.1% to 120.5 (2016=100) in May 2026, after a 0.5% increase in April. However, the LAG's six-month change was firmly in positive territory at 0.9% growth between November 2025 and May 2026, up from being flat over the previous six months.

The Conference Board is currently projecting 1.8% year-on-year GDP growth in 2026, down from 2.1% in 2025. The next release is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10 A.M. ET.

Summary Table of Composite Economic Indexes

Indexes equal 100 in 2016. Source: The Conference Board.