Risk factors of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with PVD have an elevated death rate even in those who are asymptomatic, and this has been found to be equal in both men and women. Although morbidity and mortality are elevated in patients with PVD, this population is less likely to receive treatment for their atherosclerosis risk factors than are those being treated for other manifestations of atherosclerosis such as coronary artery disease.