Clark D, et al. - Among JHS (Jackson Heart Study) participants (n=5306), the link between cigarette smoking and peripheral artery disease (PAD) was assessed in blacks. Participants were categorized as current, past (smoked at least 400 cigarettes/life), or never smokers (reference group) on the basis of self-reported baseline smoking status. Multivariable logistic and robust linear regression models were used. A total of 3579 (68%) never smokers, 986 (19%) past smokers, and 693 (13%) current smokers were included. Findings revealed a link between smoking and PAD in blacks. An increased risk of ankle-brachial index <1 and increased risk of abdominal aortic and aortoiliac calcium was observed in current smokers after adjustment for covariates. A higher likelihood of subclinical PAD was indicated by all of these measures in those smoking more than 20 cigarettes daily (1 pack) vs lower-intensity use, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship.