Diseases and Conditions

Small vessel disease

Risk factors

Small vessel disease is more common in women than in men. Risk factors for small vessel disease include:

  • Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity)
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of the disease, especially in women
  • High blood pressure
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Increasing age: older than 45 in men and older than 55 in women
  • Insulin resistance
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Tobacco use
  • Unhealthy cholesterol levels
  • Unhealthy diet