PAD usually strikes after the age of 50. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase your risk profile of developing PAD and at an earlier age. All these risk factors affect the circulation and plaque burden build up in the peripheral arteries. Premature PAD can occur in men in their 20s, 30s and 40s as well, usually with risk factors such as uncontrolled diabetes and strong family history and heavy tobacco use.
Prevalence of PAD increases with age. In males approximately 4% ages less than 60 years to 9% in those over 70 years.
