Introduction Peripheral vascular disease is under researched with no outcome data for the UK. It has the same underlying pathology and treatment modalities as coronary heart disease and is just as preventable.

Aim To document treatment and outcomes for lower limb peripheral vascular disease in those aged 50–84 by ethnic group.

Method Secondary analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics (2003–2009) patient data with 77 million admission episodes. Age standardised prevalence data calculated for major leg amputation, endovascular intervention, surgical revascularisation.

Results The prevalence rate, per 100 000 in the White British population is approximately double in males compared with females for: major leg amputation (m=9, f=5), endovascular intervention (m=150, f=72), elective surgical revascularisation (m=41, f=16). Proportional rates (White British=100) of amputation were significantly higher in Black men (242; 95% CI 199 to 286) and women (475; 95% CI 363 to 587) and lower in Asian men (91; 95% CI 72 to 110) and women (66; 95% CI 41 to 91). Rates for endovascular intervention were lower for both ethnic groups in men (Black 91; 95% CI 84 to 97: Asian 85; 95% CI 81 to 90) and Asian women (52; 95% CI 46 to 58) but not Black women (138; 95% CI 126 to 151). Elective surgical revascularisation rates were also significantly lower in men (Black 74; 95% CI 63 to 85: Asian 39; 95% CI 31 to 46) and women (Black 72; 95% CI 53 to 91: Asian 24; 95% CI 14 to 34).

Conclusion Blacks have significantly higher rates of leg amputation with significantly lower rates of both endovascular and surgical revascularisation. Asians have significantly lower rates of amputation and revascularisation. These variations warrant further investigation.