FirstHealth Launches Specialized Exercise Program for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

TROY, N.C. - FirstHealth is expanding access to care for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) through the Supervised Exercise Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease (SET PAD) program, offered through the pulmonary rehabilitation care team at Montgomery Memorial Hospital in Troy.

The program is designed to help individuals living with PAD safely increase physical activity, reduce leg pain and improve overall health through a structured, medically supervised exercise and education program.

"We're proud to have this program available to our community to have the opportunity to help people regain some independence, especially with walking and other activities of daily living," said hospitalist Van Slaughter, M.D., the program director.

The program normally consists of two to three visits each week for several weeks. A referral is required, but the program is covered by most major insurance companies, including Medicare.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral Artery Disease is a common circulatory condition that occurs when arteries carrying blood from the heart to the legs become narrowed or blocked.

According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 8 to 12 million Americans have PAD, with the condition occurring more frequently among adults over age 50.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

The most classic symptom is pain in the legs during physical activity like walking, but many people with PAD do not suffer leg pain. Other physical signs of PAD could include the following:

• Muscle atrophy
• Hair loss
• Smooth, shiny skin
• Skin that is cool to the touch, especially if there is pain while walking
• Decreased or absent pulses in the feet
• Sores or ulcers in the legs or feet that don't heal
• Cold or numb toes

Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease

• High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking

How to Get Started

For more information about the SET PAD program, contact FirstHealth Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Troy at 910-571-5277. Patients interested in participating should speak with their primary care provider about obtaining a referral.