Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

PAD may be caused by pre-existing disease such as atherosclerosis where plaque build up slows down the flow of blood through out the body. One of the most common side effects of PAD is intermittent claudication which is described as a cramping sensation in the calves that is brought upon by weight bearing activities. If this occurs, rest until the pain vanishes (should resolve in minutes).

In more advanced disease progression, the claudication may not resolve itself within minutes & could potentially prevent the individual from performing actives of daily living. Exercise is especially important in these cases due to the increase of cardiovascular disease.

Remember the risk factors in my previous blog?

Compared to individuals who do not have PAD, those WITH PAD have a 20-60% increase of experiencing a heart attack & have up to 6-fold the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors to look out for include, but are not limited to:

• Diabetes, smoking, male gender, age & non-Caucasian race

• Hypertension; AKA high blood pressure

• Abnormal levels of cholesterol

• inflammatory markers

• Chronic renal insufficiency

• High levels of amino acids due to protein degradation contributing to arterial damage

When exercising with PAD, keep in mind that these individuals may need track their timing of medication dose and exercise to optimize the exercise experience, there could be chance of claudication and monitoring of blood pressure should be frequent.

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FITT FOR AEROBIC

Frequency: 3-5 days per week

Intensity: To the point of moderate pain

Time: 30-45 or 60 minutes per day for up to 12 weeks

Type: Intermitten weight bearing exercise. Rest when moderate pain is reached

Only begin exercise again when pain is COMPLETELY alleviated

FITT FOR RESISTANCE

Frequency: At least 2 nonconsecutive days per week

Intensity: 60-80% of 1RM (One rep max)

Time: 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps hitting 6-8 major muscle groups

Type: Whole body exercises, focussing on the lower body

FITT FOR FLEXIBILTY

Frequency: At least 2-3 days per week, preferably daily

Intensity: To the point of slight discomfort

Time: Hold for 10-30 seconds at least 2-4 times

Type: Static, dynamic, PNF or assisted

**ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription - 10th edition**