- Age. PAD occurs more frequently in people over 60 years of age.
- Family history of artery disease. Genetic factors that cause specific lipid and cholesterol abnormalities may increase the risk for PAD.
- Artery inflammation and damage. High levels of C-reactive protein can indicate persistent inflammation in the arteries. Such inflammation can cause significant damage in blood vessels, and is highly associated with PAD.
Emerging or Possible Risk Factors
Homocysteine. Abnormally high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and PAD. Excessive levels occur with deficiencies of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid. Scientists are continuing to research connections between homocysteine and heart and vascular disease. Some experts believe that high levels of homocysteine are only indicators, not causes, of heart disease.
 | Click the icon to see an image of vitamin B12 sources. |
 | Click the icon to see an image of sources of folate. |
Infectious Organisms. Some microorganisms and viruses may be able to trigger the inflammation and damage in the arteries that contribute to heart disease and peripheral artery disease.
The primary suspect has been Chlamydia pneumoniae, a non-bacterial organism that causes mild pneumonia in young adults. In one study, treatment with antibiotics in patients with evidence of a previous C. pneumoniae infection appeared to reduce PAD-related plaque build up. However, until better studies are conducted, experts do not recommend antibiotics to treat heart disease or PAD even in patients with evidence of C. pneumoniae.
It should be noted that many people have been infected with C. pneumoniae, and some studies have found no evidence that it increases the risk for heart disease.
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