Popliteal CWT measured in orthostatic posture, rather than in supine position, is associated with popliteal atherosclerotic plaques, particularly in women. These findings suggest that erectile posture might play a role in the atherogenesis of leg arteries by modifying local hemodynamic forces and that there may be gender differences in this regard.

These findings indicate that risk factors for peripheral artery disease may differ between smokers and nonsmokers and further suggest that atherosclerosis in lower limb arteries is directly related to local hemodynamic forces among smokers.