At highest risk for PAD are older adults, either those over 70, or those 50 years and older who either smoke or have a history of smoking or have diabetes mellitus. African Americans have an increased risk – probably a two- to three-fold risk of PAD.*
* To understand "race" as a risk factor, please see our article on that subject.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for PAD are much the same as for cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease:
- age
- smoking
- hypertension
- hyperlipidaemia
- diabetes
- obesity
- physical inactivity, and
- family history
Of these, by far the most important is cigarette smoking – especially for those smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day.
Prevention
Prevention strategies against PAD are similar to those that prevent coronary artery disease:
- Learn your family medical history
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Improve cholesterol level
- Have blood tested
- Control homocysteine levels (take adequate B-6, B12, and Folic Acid)
- Exercise regularly
- Control diabetes, high blood pressure, weight, and chronic depression
- Manage stress
- Quit smoking (or don’t start!)
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