Coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are very common conditions, affecting over 5% of the adult population, and hundreds of millions worldwide.(1,2) In this article, we give an overview of the prevalence of these diseases, discuss the market size of CAD and PAD, and the economic and human costs associated with artery calcification.

CAD is a Common Ailment Accounting for Over 600,000 Deaths Annually

CAD is one of the most common and serious cardiovascular ailments. CAD is characterized by the narrowing or obstruction of coronary arteries by calcified plaque, which prevents oxygenated blood from getting to the heart. This poses serious risks – a significant portion of those with CAD experience acute myocardial infarction (AMI) annually, also called a heart attack. CAD can also weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.(3) CAD accounts for over 600,000 deaths annually, and it is the leading cause of mortality in the United States and the third leading cause of mortality globally.(4)

The high prevalence and mortality of CAD places an immense burden on the healthcare system, and CAD is growing increasingly common. Roughly 18 million adults in the U.S. have CAD and this number is expected to rise in the coming years.(5) Such high prevalence has undoubtedly spurred the growth of the CAD therapeutics and medical device markets.

PAD is a Growing Concern Affecting Hundreds of Millions of People Worldwide

Peripheral arterial disease, a closely related condition to CAD, also impacts hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is growing in prevalence.(2) PAD primarily affects the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs, indicating a significant correlation with CAD. This article goes into more detail about how PAD and CAD develop from plaque buildup in the arteries. 

It is estimated that well over 200 million people are affected by PAD globally.(6) Notably, women are more susceptible to PAD, and its prevalence shows variation based on ethnicity, underscoring a continual need for medical intervention.(7) PAD is also more common with age.(8) It is estimated that over 20% of those over the age 80 are affected by PAD.(5,7) Though often asymptomatic, this disease represents a significant risk to individuals, mainly as an indicator of systemic atherosclerosis.

The Large, Growing Market for Coronary Artery Disease in the U.S. and Globally

CAD is an enormous economic burden on patients and medical systems. Total healthcare services for CAD in the United States are estimated to cost more than $200 billion dollars annually.(4) This article outlines common treatments for CAD that factor into this total. 

Research shows that the global CAD market valuation was worth USD 22,943.21 million in 2022.(9) Predictions suggest that this figure could reach an astounding USD 40,987.32 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.86% from 2023 to 2030.(9) Several factors have contributed to this growth, including technological advancements in diagnostics, increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the rising global demand for CAD and PAD diagnosis, treatment, and management tools.

In response to this escalating demand, pharmaceutical innovators like Pfizer Inc., Amgen Inc., and AbbVie Inc., and key players in the medical device industry like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and Becton Dickinson, have been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions. The U.S., with its robust R&D activities and substantial healthcare spending, holds a significant share of this CAD treatment market. The Asia-Pacific region is also expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years, owing to their large patient populations and emerging economic opportunities in arterial disease.(9)

The Market for Peripheral Artery Disease is Growing

It is estimated that well over 200 million people are affected by PAD globally.(10) PAD is more common with age. It is estimated that over 20% of those over the age 80 are affected by PAD.(10) Though often asymptomatic, this disease represents a significant risk to individuals, mainly as an indicator of systemic atherosclerosis. The intrinsic connection between CAD and PAD necessitates a holistic strategy in combating these diseases.

The worldwide market for PAD reached a valuation of USD 4.45 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 9.15 billion by 2031, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.35% expected from 2023 to 2031.(11) 

Several demographic trends drive the growth of the PAD market, including the aging global population, the rising prevalence of conditions like cancer, and the widespread occurrence of metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders.(11) These factors necessitate the use of vascular devices during various medical treatments.

Intravascular Lithotripsy is an Innovative Treatment for Calcification in Coronary and Peripheral Arteries

One example of a groundbreaking new treatment that has arisen in response to the prevalence and costs associated with CAD and PAD is intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). IVL is a catheter-based treatment that uses sonic pressure waves, or shock waves, to direct mechanical energy at a target lesion (or area of plaque blockage in the arteries). This energy creates cracks and fissures in the hard plaque, while passing harmlessly through soft tissues. This article gives a step-by-step breakdown of an IVL procedure in peripheral or coronary arteries.

As next generation technologies like IVL proliferate in the United States, the reimbursement landscape will be critical to ensure patients and health systems can access the best treatments for calcified arteries. This article breaks down the reimbursement landscape for IVL.