The role of exercise training in peripheral arterial disease.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is currently a major health problem affecting 8-12 million Americans, 15-40% of whom will have intermittent claudication that can lead to substantial impairment in their ability to carry out normal daily activities as well as perform the recommended cardiovascular exercise. Supervised exercise training is an effective tool in the treatment of claudication and is currently a recommended first-line therapy for patients with this condition. In addition to improving pain-free walking distance and quality of life, supervised exercise training can improve many cardiovascular risk factors, possibly reducing the risk for subsequent myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. This paper will review the benefits of supervised exercise training in patients with PAD.
Milani
Richard V
RV
Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA. rmilani@ochsner.org
Lavie
Carl J
CJ
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome