Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Between 8 and 10 million American adults have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Although it was once believed that PAD occurs more often in men than women, current research now indicates that both genders are equally susceptible. African Americans have twice the risk for PAD as Caucasians, according to results from a 2005 study.

PAD Risk Factors

The most important risk factors for PAD and intermittent claudication are the same as the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. People with a combination of these conditions (including PAD)are at increased risk of a more severe form of the heart or circulatory disease.

The following raise one's risk for PAD:

• Smoking. Experts believe that smoking is the number one risk factor for PAD and that smoking even a few cigarettes a day can interfere with PAD treatment. Smoking increases the risk for PAD by 2 to 25 times, with the danger being higher when other risk factors are present. One study reported that 90% of patients with PAD were current or former smokers. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #41: Smoking.]
• Diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have three to four times the normal risk for PAD and intermittent claudication. In fact, their risk for PAD is higher than their risk for heart disease. People with type 2 diabetes also tend to develop PAD at an earlier age and have severe cases. Patients with both diabetes and PAD are at high risk for complications in the feet and ankles. In one study, people with diabetes and intermittent claudication had a 30% chance of developing skin ulcers on their legs. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #60: Diabetes - type 2.]
• Unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels. The risk for PAD increases by 10% with every 10 mg/dL increase in total cholesterol levels. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the so-called good cholesterol) and high triglyceride levels also increase the risk for PAD. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #23: Cholesterol.]
• Hypertension. High blood pressure doubles the chances for PAD. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #14: High blood pressure.]