Which lifestyle factor is a significant risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

Smoking is identified as a significant risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD) due to its profound impact on cardiovascular health. When a person smokes, the harmful chemicals in tobacco can damage the blood vessels, leading to increased atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque restricts blood flow, particularly in the peripheral arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the limbs.

The process of smoking causes chronic inflammation and promotes the development of clots within the arteries, exacerbating the narrowing and hardening caused by atherosclerosis. As a result, smokers face a much higher risk of developing PAD compared to non-smokers. In addition, the harmful effects of smoking can manifest even in individuals with otherwise healthy lifestyle factors, making it a crucial focus for prevention and management of PAD.

Understanding the impact of smoking on cardiovascular health underscores the importance of smoking cessation as a critical intervention for patients at risk for PAD. This focus on smoking as a risk factor is more pronounced compared to the other options listed, which, while still relevant to general cardiovascular health, do not have the same direct and immediate association with PAD.