Recognized risk factors for the development of PAD include:
Older age (> 50 y)
Family history of heart disease, stroke, or PAD
Men and women have similar rates of PAD. The vast majority of individuals diagnosed with PAD have at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor. Individuals of Hispanic descent have similar to slightly higher rates of PAD when compared with non-Hispanic whites. However, non-Hispanic blacks have an increased risk of developing PAD. Although PAD may occur in any blood vessel, the legs are more commonly affected than the arms.
For more on PAD, read here.