Benefits of exercise therapy in peripheral arterial disease

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2011 May-Jun;53(6):447-53. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2011.03.005.

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common disorder caused largely by atherosclerosis. Although it is associated with increased morbidity and cardiovascular mortality, PAD remains underdiagnosed. Traditional PAD care has involved cardiovascular risk factor modification, use of antiplatelet agents, and revascularization. For those individuals who are eligible and willing to perform exercise therapy (ET), a significant benefit may be recognized. Despite this, ET faces several challenges to implementation. Notably, the lack of reimbursement by third party payers remains the major challenge to routine use of ET.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease* / mortality
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease* / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease* / rehabilitation
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Rate / trends
  • United States / epidemiology