PAD Risk Factors and Prevalence
When it comes to peripheral artery disease, there are several risk factors to take into consideration to determine whether or not you can develop the condition. According to the CDC:
Both men and woman are affected by PAD; however, African Americans have an increased risk of PAD. Hispanics may have similar to slightly higher rates of PAD compared with non-Hispanic white people. Approximately 6.5 million people age 40 and older in the United States have PAD.
Other health conditions and disorders of arteries can mimic the symptoms of PAD, and not all PAD is due to atherosclerosis.
If you have PAD, you are at risk for developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Chart courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease
The following are common risk factors for PAD:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Age above 60 years
If you know you’re at-risk for PAD, or think you might be, please get in touch with our healthcare experts today by scheduling an appointment at https://vascularhealthinstitute.com/appointments/.
