Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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Causes and Risk Factors

Peripheral artery disease is caused by the build up of deposits (called plaque) in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs (usually the legs and feet). This condition is called atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries."

There are a number of risk factors for developing PAD. Some of these factors can be controlled (called modifiable risk factors) and some cannot (called unmodifiable risk factors).

PAD risk factors that can be controlled or managed include the following:

• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• Diet high in fat and cholesterol
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol (hypercholesteremia)
• Obesity/overweight
• Physical inactivity (lack of exercise)

Risk factors for peripheral artery disease that cannot be controlled include the following:

• Age (more common over the age of 50)
• Family or personal history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, or heart disease (cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis)
• Gender (more common in men)
• Severe kidney disease that requires dialysis

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