Objective: In this study the major high density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions (HDL 2 , HDL 3 ) were examined, in angiographically selected patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Results: Patients with PAD have significantly high triglyceride levels. HDL 2 and HDL 3 levels were found significantly reduced in patients with PAD. Also, the ratio HDL 2 -C/HDL 3 -C was significantly reduced in patients with PAD.Conclusions: The aim of the present study is to provide additional support to the hypothesis that the determination of HDL subfractions could be useful to elucidate possible mechanism(s) for a better assessment of the risk profile for PAD.