Professional Practice Guide -FCSV-EN

19 4.2 BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH PAD Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. At the onset of the disease, patients are often asymptomatic. As PAD progresses, intermittent claudication (IC) may develop, leading to increasing difficulty with walking. Several physiological mechanisms explain the effectiveness of physical activity:¹ • Improved endothelial function • Reduction in inflammatory markers • Angiogenesis • Changes in muscle metabolism Physical activity is the most effective and sustainable strategy for the management of PAD and offers many benefits:² • Reduction in walking-related pain • Improved quality of life • Increased maximum walking distance • Increased pain-free walking distance • Improved control of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.) • Delayed need for surgical intervention It has not been demonstrated that an exercise program alone can modify the ankle-brachial index (ABI). This biomarker should therefore not be used to assess the effectiveness of exercise-based treatment.² 4.3 SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR PATIENTS WITH PAD/IC Engaging in physical activity is safe for patients with PAD. It has not been associated with an increased occurrence of cardiovascular events. In patients who have been appropriately screened for contraindications, the risk–benefit ratio is favourable and associated with a very strong safety profile.³ 4.4 BEFORE STARTING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM People living with PAD are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. A medical evaluation is therefore recommended to rule out the presence of angina or cardiac rhythm disorders. The absolute and relative contraindications listed on the following page should be taken into consideration. Engaging in physical activity is safe for patients with PAD. for the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease