Life-style modification in peripheral arterial disease.
OBJECTIVE
To review the published evidence supporting the use of life-style modification in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).


METHODS
A systematic search of the medical literature was performed for relevant studies.


METHODS
The publications obtained were then searched for randomised clinical trials which reported end-points of mortality or major cardiovascular event rates with various life-style modifications.


RESULTS
Only one randomised controlled trial was found reporting relevant end-points. Other trials were of other end-points such as walking distance or biochemical markers.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of randomised controlled data proving the benefit of life-style modification in improving mortality and reducing cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. Despite this there is sufficient evidence to recommend some life-style modification as part of the overall approach to risk reduction in these patients. There is compelling evidence to support smoking cessation, increased exercise and improved diet.
Khan
S
S
Northern Vascular Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK.
Cleanthis
M
M
Smout
J
J
Flather
M
M
Stansby
G
G
D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004035:Diet Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D016540:Smoking Cessation