Who Is At Risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 8 to 12 million people in the United States. An estimated 5 percent of U.S. adults over age 50 have PAD. Among adults age 65 and older, 12 to 20 percent may have PAD.

Major Risk Factors

Major risk factors for developing PAD include:

• Smoking. Smoking is more closely related to developing PAD than any other risk factor. Smoking increases the risk of developing PAD three to five times. On average, smokers who develop PAD experience symptoms 10 years earlier than nonsmokers who develop PAD. Stopping smoking will slow the progress of PAD. Smoking even one or two cigarettes daily can interfere with the treatment for PAD. Smokers and diabetics have the greatest risk of complications from PAD, including gangrene in the leg from decreased blood flow.
• Chronic or serious illnesses, such as diabetes. One in three people over age 50 with diabetes is likely to have PAD. Anyone over age 50 with diabetes should be screened for PAD.
• Other diseases and conditions, such as:
  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure or a family history of it
  • A high cholesterol level or a family history of it
  • Heart disease or a family history of it
• A family history of stroke
• Age. Men who are older than age 50 and women who are older than age 55 are at higher risk for PAD.