Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Patient Education

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition where the blood vessels outside your heart and brain become narrow or blocked. This usually happens in the legs and feet. When blood flow is reduced, your muscles and tissues don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients, which can cause pain and other problems.

Causes and Risk Factors

Atherosclerosis (build-up of fatty plaque inside arteries)
Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Older age (especially over 50)
Family history of heart or artery disease
Obesity and physical inactivity

Signs and Symptoms

Leg pain or cramping during walking or exercise (called claudication)
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially compared to the other side
Sores, wounds, or ulcers on the feet or legs that heal slowly
Change in skin color or shiny skin on the legs
Weak or no pulse in the legs or feet
Hair loss on legs or feet

Early Warning Signs

Pain or cramping in the calves or thighs during walking
Feeling tired or heavy in the legs
Slow healing cuts or sores on feet or legs

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

Non-healing wounds or infections
Gangrene (tissue death) that may lead to amputation
Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
Severe pain even at rest
Reduced mobility and quality of life

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Quit smoking immediately
Exercise regularly, especially walking programs supervised by your healthcare provider
Take medicines as prescribed to improve blood flow and reduce risk factors
Care for your feet daily, checking for cuts or sores
Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
Maintain a healthy weight

Common Medications

Antiplatelet drugs: Help prevent blood clots (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel)
Cholesterol-lowering medicines: Help reduce plaque build-up (e.g., statins)
Blood pressure medicines: Control high blood pressure
Medications to improve walking distance: Such as cilostazol

Side Effects: Medicines can cause stomach upset, bleeding risk, or headaches. Report any side effects to your doctor.

Dietary Needs

Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol
Reduce salt intake to control blood pressure
Drink plenty of water
Limit sugar, especially if diabetic

Lifestyle Changes

Stop smoking completely
Start and keep a regular exercise routine
Manage stress
Monitor and control weight
Keep regular medical appointments

Safety Considerations

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well to prevent sores
Inspect feet daily for injuries or infections
Avoid walking barefoot
Keep your feet clean and moisturized (but not between toes)
Avoid extreme temperatures to feet
Get treatment for any infections quickly

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Follow your treatment plan closely
Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in healthy ranges
Stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle
Report any new symptoms or slow-healing wounds promptly

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

You notice new or worsening leg pain or cramps
You see any cuts, sores, or wounds that are slow to heal
Your feet or legs feel numb, cold, or change color
You develop swelling or redness in the legs
You have side effects from your medicines
You have trouble walking or doing daily activities

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You have sudden, severe pain in your leg or foot
Your foot or leg becomes pale, cold, or numb suddenly
You notice a bad smell, pus, or signs of infection from a wound
You have a fever with leg pain or swelling
You cannot feel pulses in your foot or leg
You have wounds that bleed heavily or don’t stop bleeding

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle True if correct or False if incorrect. If False, write the correct answer.

True or False: Peripheral Arterial Disease is caused by blocked blood vessels in the legs.
True or False: Smoking increases your risk of PAD.
True or False: Leg pain during walking is a common symptom of PAD.
True or False: PAD only affects people under 40 years old.
True or False: Sores on the feet that heal slowly can be a sign of PAD.
True or False: Exercise is not recommended for people with PAD.
True or False: Medicines can help improve blood flow in PAD.
True or False: You should inspect your feet daily if you have PAD.
True or False: High cholesterol can increase the risk of PAD.
True or False: It is safe to walk barefoot if you have PAD.
True or False: Losing weight and eating healthy can help manage PAD.
True or False: PAD does not increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
True or False: You should call your doctor if you notice new leg pain.
True or False: Wearing tight shoes is good for preventing foot sores.
True or False: You should quit smoking if you have PAD.
True or False: Cold or pale feet can be a sign of poor blood flow.
True or False: You should avoid walking if you have PAD.
True or False: Medicines for PAD may have side effects like stomach upset.
True or False: It is important to control blood pressure and blood sugar with PAD.
True or False: Sudden severe leg pain requires emergency care.

Individualized Questions About Your Peripheral Arterial Disease

When did you first notice symptoms like leg pain or numbness?
Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
Are you taking medicines for PAD? Which ones?
Do you check your feet daily for cuts or sores?
How often do you exercise? What kind of activity?
Have you had any wounds or infections on your legs or feet?
Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol?
Have you experienced any side effects from your medications?
Can you walk as much as you need to for daily activities?
When is your next doctor appointment?