How Can Peripheral Arterial Disease Be Prevented?

Taking action to control your risk factors can help prevent or delay peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) and its complications.

Know your family history of health problems related to P.A.D. If you or someone in your family has this disease, be sure to tell your doctor.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking is more closely related to getting P.A.D. than any other risk factor. Your risk for P.A.D. increases four times if you smoke or have a history of smoking. Talk to your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking.

Follow a healthy eating plan that’s low in total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium (salt). Eat more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. If you’re overweight or obese, work with your doctor to create a reasonable weight-loss plan.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) are two examples of healthy eating plans.

Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can improve your fitness level and your health. Talk to your doctor about what types of activity are safe for you. See the NHLBI's "Your Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart." Although this guide focuses on heart health, it also applies to general health and well-being.

These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for P.A.D. and help prevent and control conditions that can lead to P.A.D., such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.