For people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), everyday tasks such as going to the grocery store or walking to the mailbox can seem daunting. With the new PAD exercise program offered by Verde Valley Medical Center Cardiac Health and Fitness, patients can find freedom from debilitating symptoms.

PAD is diagnosed through a test call the ankle brachial index. When blood pressure in the ankle is lower than blood pressure in the arm, it indicates a blockage in the leg’s arteries.

Claudication, a symptom of PAD, often is characterized by a painful cramping of the leg muscles that occurs when walking. People with PAD typically notice the pain in the calf, but it also can be felt in the buttocks or thighs. Because the muscles require less blood flow when at rest, the pain typically goes away when patients aren’t active.

“A supervised walking program can be a great treatment option for people with intermittent claudication,” said Joy Marimon, VVMC exercise physiologist. “Through the PAD program, our Cardiac Health and Fitness department staff members closely monitor patients’ symptoms and any other cardiovascular limitations.”

About the Program
During the program, patients participate in supervised exercise sessions with an exercise physiologist or registered nurse for 45 to 60 minutes, two to three days a week. The program typically lasts anywhere from three to six months, depending on the patient.

“Because exercise capabilities differ from patient to patient, our staff tailors the PAD program to meet each participant’s needs,” said Marimon. “The ultimate goal of the program is to enhance the well-being of patients with PAD through exercise.”

Get Moving
Exercise helps strengthen leg muscles that are out of shape, and trains these muscles to function with less oxygen. This increased activity helps leg muscles work better despite reduced blood flow to the legs.

A walking program can be beneficial to patients with PAD because exercise can:
- help you lose or maintain weight, especially when combined with dietary changes
- improve or maintain muscle tone
- increase the length of time you are able to walk before needing to rest
- reduce leg pain
- reduce risk factors for a heart attack or stroke

Peripheral Artery Disease
PAD is common among individuals age 50 and older. People with PAD also have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, as many as 8 million Americans are affected by PAD.
    
Risk factors for PAD:
- diabetes
- elevated cholesterol
- family history of heart or vascular problems
- hypertension
- inactive lifestyle
- overweight
- smoker

For more information about the PAD program, call the VVMC Health and Fitness department at 928 639-6322.