Peripheral Artery Disease

For anyone concerned about the health of their heart, walking is probably the best exercise. Why?

• It’s inexpensive (only requires a sturdy pair of shoes

• It has no harmful side effects; other exercise could result in injury; but unless you trip over your own feet and fall, minimal harm is associated with walking)

Peripheral Vascular Disease is a disorder which affects 8-12 million Americans. People with PVD have arteries in their extremities that are narrower, harder, and are filled with plaques on the walls of the blood vessel. The plaques are comprised of fats, cholesterol (hard, waxy substance), calcium, and other blood products. This is commonly called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

The treatment of peripheral artery disease focuses on lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery or special procedures. The goals are preventative and palliative, rather than trying to cure the condition.