Quality of Life and Functional Capacity following Peripheral Arterial Disease Exercise Programme
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a manifestation of generalised atherosclerotic disease in which the arterial lumen becomes progressively narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques. This results in reduced blood flow to the tissues causing pain on exercise, relieved by rest (Intermittent Claudication [IC]). As PAD is a chronic, progressive disease with a significant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk burden it has a considerable impact on functional capacity and quality of life (QOL). Current evidence suggests that 27 million people in Europe and North America have PAD1. The main aim of treatment is maintenance or improvement in quality of life by eliminating ischaemic symptoms and preventing progression to vascular occlusion. The use of patient-based measures of treatment effect including functional capacity and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires has been recommended.