Which of the following is a risk factor for peripheral vascular disease?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Age over 50
• C. Low cholesterol
• D. Non-smoker

Answer: (C)

Peripheral vascular disease is largely driven by atherosclerotic changes in the peripheral arteries. As people age, arteries accumulate damage, become stiffer, and plaques can form more readily, so age over 50 is a real risk factor. Regular exercise actually protects against PVD by improving blood flow and endothelial function, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels reduces risk (high LDL is a risk, low cholesterol is not). Being a non-smoker also lowers risk because smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and vascular problems. So, among the options, age over 50 is the true risk factor.