the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is relatively well defined for the Caucasian population. Given the susceptibility of Asians and Afro-Caribbeans to coronary heart disease and stroke respectively, and the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in both groups, one would expect a high prevalence of peripheral arterial disease.a search of MEDLINE (1966-2002) was undertaken for studies on the incidence and prevalence of PAD, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and cerebrovascular disease in different ethnic groups.there are very few population-based prevalence studies assessing PAD, AAA or cerebrovascular disease in non-Caucasians. A review of hospital-based series demonstrates different patterns of PAD between ethnic groups. Blacks and Asians have a tendency towards more distal occlusive disease and AAA appear to be predominantly a disease of Caucasians. It is not clear whether these studies provide a true representation of the prevalence of arterial disease in various ethnic groups or are the result of an unmet health care need.further studies are required to establish the prevalence, natural history and response to treatment of PAD, AAA and cerebrovascular disease in non-Caucasians. Only when this has been achieved, can clinically and cost-effective health care be delivered to affected individuals from different ethnic groups.