Life-style modification in peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE

To review the published evidence supporting the use of life-style modification in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

DESIGN

A systematic search of the medical literature was performed for relevant studies.

MATERIALS

The publications obtained were then searched for randomised clinical trials which reported end-points of mortality or major cardiovascular event rates with various life-style modifications.

RESULTS

Only one randomised controlled trial was found reporting relevant end-points. Other trials were of other end-points such as walking distance or biochemical markers.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of randomised controlled data proving the benefit of life-style modification in improving mortality and reducing cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. Despite this there is sufficient evidence to recommend some life-style modification as part of the overall approach to risk reduction in these patients. There is compelling evidence to support smoking cessation, increased exercise and improved diet.