This is in line with recent results from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) (Million Veteran Program) that indicate an important role of genes related to smoking, i.e., nicotine dependence [cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 3 subunit (CHRNA3)] and to thrombosis [factor V (F5 p.R506Q)] in the specific segregation of atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries and development of PAD (37). Here, CHRNA3 is linked to atherosclerosis.