While many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) smoke, few receive proven smoking cessation strategies from their doctor, according to new research [...] Worldwide, 202 million adults are affected by peripheral artery disease which is a narrowing of the arteries serving the legs, stomach, arms and head. Peripheral artery disease most commonly affects arteries in the legs.

"Smoking is the single most important risk factor for development and progression of peripheral artery disease," said study author Krishna K. Patel, [...]