SET for PAD - Saving Limbs, Saving Lives

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month! PAD is a chronic circulatory condition, which if left untreated can result in unnecessary limb amputations. PAD affects approximately 18 million US citizens, and 160,000 to 180,000 of those patients are estimated to undergo limb amputation this year.

PAD is a condition in which plaque build-up reduces the blood flow to your extremities. If you have PAD, you may particularly experience discomfort or pain in your legs when you walk, a symptom called claudication. Leg pain typically begins when you start to exercise and goes away after you rest.

Risk factors for PAD, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and age over 60. PAD patients are also at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.

Research has shown Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) to be an effective, noninvasive method to alleviate the most common symptoms associated with PAD. Studies have found patients participating in SET were able to improve their walking ability more than those completing a non-supervised program, such as home-based exercise, or just following walking advice.

SET programs, long been supported by the American Heart Association as a first-line, noninvasive, low-risk therapy for PAD—are now covered by Medicare.

PVHMC Now Offers “PAD Rehab” — Supervised Exercise Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD Rehab is a new program provided by Cardiovascular Rehabilitation. Located in Rehab Services, the program includes:

• Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) with guided instruction
• Exercise plan, alternating activity and rest intervals
• Treadmill walking
• Resistance training
• Risk factor education
• Up to 36 sessions
• 3-5 days per week for 12 weeks

The benefits of PAD Rehab include:

• Reduced PAD symptoms and leg pain
• Increased ability to walk for longer stretches before needing to rest
• Improved muscle strength
• Reduced risk of heart attack or stroke
• Weight loss

For more information about “PAD Rehab” please call our cardiovascular rehabilitation specialists at 909-865-9831.