While
peripheral artery disease (PAD) can make walking or any other type of
exercise painful, exercise is actually one of the most beneficial things that you can do to reduce the pain caused by PAD.
PAD is the result of
atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of the arteries caused by excess LDL cholesterol (known as "
bad cholesterol") in the bloodstream. Doctors urge people with PAD or other health problems due to atherosclerosis to
adopt a diet low in fat (especially saturated fat) and refined carbohydrates. Many atherosclerosis patients also take
statins to lower their cholesterol and
beta-blockers or other drugs to lower their blood pressure.
Exercise is a key component of any atherosclerosis treatment. Physical activity has been shown to boost HDL (known as “good cholesterol”) and lower LDL, which contributes to atherosclerosis.
Those with PAD may need a supervised exercise program, but exercise (and
quitting smoking) can be extremely beneficial. PAD prevents muscles from getting enough oxygen-rich blood, which can cause pain.
The following information from our
A-Z Health Library can help you determine if you should talk to your doctor about PAD.
Regular exercise can decrease leg pain that occurs with exercise
(called
intermittent claudication) in some people with
peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Your doctor may want you to try a supervised exercise program. You
will work with a therapist at an exercise facility such as a rehab center. Each
day, you will walk until the pain starts, then rest until it goes away before
continuing. Your therapist will ask you to try to walk just a little farther
each day before resting. Don't try to walk through the pain. The goal is to
increase the amount of time you can exercise before the pain starts. You will
see the greatest improvements if you exercise for more than 30 minutes at least
3 days a week.1
You may start a similar walking program at home (with your doctor's
approval).
If you develop any symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or
lightheadedness during exercise, report these symptoms to your doctor before
continuing your exercise program.
Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing PAD by helping
to:
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
levels.
- Regulate blood sugar (important for people with
diabetes).
- Lose weight.
References
Citations
Hirsch AT, et al. (2006). ACC/AHA 2005 practice
guidelines for the management of patients with peripheral arterial disease
(lower extremity, renal, mesenteric, and abdominal aortic): A collaborative
report from the American Association for Vascular Surgery/Society for Vascular
Surgery, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for
Vascular Medicine and Biology, Society of Interventional Radiology, and the
ACC/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop
Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease):
Endorsed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Society for Vascular
Nursing; TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus; and Vascular Disease
Foundation. Circulation, 113(11): e463–e654.
Last Updated: October 30, 2007 