In addition, as the role of GDF15 levels and GDF15 polymorphisms as a prognostic marker for peripheral artery disease (PAD) or coronary artery disease (CAD) has not previously been studied, we also enrolled patients with high-risk PAD and patients with CAD to evaluate the role of GDF15 levels and GDF15 genetic polymorphisms in predicting long-term mortality. The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is peripheral arterial disease.