You Don’t Have to Live with Pain from Peripheral Artery Disease

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

PAD is a chronic circulatory condition that affects nearly 20 million Americans, causing leg pain, aching, and cramping when walking. The bad news is—if left untreated—200,000 of those patients are estimated to undergo limb amputation each year!

What are the Risk Factors for PAD?

Risk factors for PAD, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and over age 60. PAD patients are also at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. With PAD, plaque build-up in the arteries reduces blood flow to the muscles in your legs. This causes discomfort in your legs when you walk—a symptom called “claudication.” Leg pain typically worsens the longer you walk and gradually goes away when you rest.

The Good News: SET for PAD Can Help

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 tolerance and distance more than those completing a non -supervised home exercise program, or just walking on their own. SET programs are supported by the American Heart Association as a first line, noninvasive, low risk therapy for PAD—and the good news is that it is covered by Medicare.

Benefits of SET for PAD:

• Reduces PAD symptoms and leg pain
• Prevents further progression of the disease
• Increases walking tolerance and distance
• Improves muscle strength
• Reduces risk of heart attack or stroke
• Weight loss

“PAD Rehab” SET Program at PVHMC

Supervised by our Cardiovascular Rehabilitation team, “PAD Rehab” is an outpatient program in the Rehabilitation Services Department. For more information about PAD Rehab, contact one of our Cardiovascular Rehabilitation specialists at 909.865.9831 or visit: https://www.pvhmc.org/services/rehabilitation-services/cardiovascular-rehabilitation/