Risk factors are the same as those for atherosclerosis: Cigarette smoking (including passive smoking) or other forms of tobacco use Diabetes Dyslipidemia (high low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol) Family history of atherosclerosis High homocysteine level Hypertension Increasing age Male sex Obesity Atherosclerosis is a systemic disorder; 50 to 75% of patients with PAD also have clinically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) or cerebrovascular disease.