Addressing high PAD and CLI rates in Latin and Haitian communities of Miami
Miami’s diverse and vibrant community is facing a critical health crisis. High rates of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) are disproportionately affecting Latin, Haitian, and African-American populations, leading to alarmingly high rates amputations. In response, local interventional cardiologist Pedro Martinez Clark, MD, FSCAI, has spearheaded an innovative approach to address these disparities through community outreach and early screening initiatives.
As the founder and medical director of Amavita Heart and Vascular Health that operates 3 interventional outpatient office-based labs (OBLs), Martinez Clark was troubled by the significant prevalence of PAD and CLI in lower-income neighborhoods across Miami-Dade County. He created a foundation to do community work to address health disparities in the area, shortly after the American Heart Association (AHA) published a policy statement calling for more efforts to curb the rising amputation rates, and decrease non-traumatic amputations by 20% by 2030. Clark decided this would be the primary focus of their outreach efforts.
“We saw an opportunity to dedicate substantial resources to a community presence focused on PAD,” Martinez Clark explained in an interview with Cardiovascular Business. “By aligning our efforts with the American Heart Association’s goals, we aim to change the natural history of PAD through early identification, behavioral modification, and timely medical intervention.”
Martinez Clark launched the Miami Initiative to Stop Amputation (MISA) in early 2024, with aim to reduce the rates of amputations by targeting at-risk populations for early PAD screening and subsequent care.
MISA’s strategy is multifaceted. The initiative focuses on underserved areas such as Little Haiti and downtown Miami, where socioeconomic factors contribute to higher rates of PAD. The team conducts screenings in community centers and local clinics, ensuring that individuals who may not have access to regular medical care are identified and connected with the appropriate resources.
Martinez Clark emphasizes that PAD, while often overlooked, is a significant marker for overall cardiovascular health. The initiative’s approach is holistic, involving a network of healthcare providers, including podiatrists, to ensure comprehensive care.
“Diabetes, smoking, and poor diet are major risk factors for PAD,” Martinez Clark noted. “By addressing these factors through education and intervention, we can significantly improve patient outcomes.”
The initiative has garnered widespread support, including endorsements from the Miami-Dade Podiatry Association and local politicians, who recognize the potential of MISA to not only save limbs, but also improve the overall health and well-being of the community.
Martinez Clark’s efforts underscore the critical role that healthcare providers play in addressing health disparities.
“As physicians, we have a responsibility to be community leaders. It’s not just about treating patients in our clinics—it’s about making a broader impact on public health,” he said.
Through MISA, Martinez Clark hopes to inspire other healthcare providers to take similar actions in their communities, helping to close the gap in healthcare disparities and bring about lasting change.
Read more about this effort in Miami in the article Rising amputation rates spark new PAD initiative in Miami.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com