Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) for Professionals

A leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and limb amputation in the U.S.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) contributes to increased risk for myocardial infarction and stroke. In its' most severe form, PAD can lead to chronic critical limb-threatening ischemia and unthinkably undergoing amputation. Clinicians must embrace evidence-based guideline recommendations so patients in their practice with or at risk for having PAD are no longer undertreated.

eModule

Beyond the Basics:

Understanding and Managing Peripheral Artery Disease

This eModule aims to help healthcare professionals in all fields better identify PAD, address disparities in disease distribution, and effectively serve their patients in treatment. The activity contains the most up-to-date recommendations based on current guidelines and available science.

Register: Understanding and Managing PAD PAD Heat Map
Young man going to the doctor for pain

Video Series

Despite the significant health burden of PAD, under diagnosis and undertreatment can lead to major adverse cardiovascular and limb events. This series aims to address this along with highlighting key points from the 2016 guidelines for the management of PAD and identifying significant disparities which increase PAD risk and the need for appropriate community-based intervention.
Group of Professional Doctors and Health Care

Equity and Peripheral Artery Disease: How Do We Change the Tide
Join this live webinar and learn the important racial, gender, socioeconomic, and geographical disparities in PAD. Help your patients understand the risk factors, signs and symptoms and treatments for PAD.
Watch: The PAD Video Series!
Group shot of five diverse healthcare providers

Diagnosing and Managing Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Advance your clinical knowledge and refine assessment skills as experts in PAD provide guidance on obtaining a detailed history and what to look for during the physical exam to prioritize diagnostic testing strategy.
Watch Now!
Man having an appointment with her doctor for leg pain

Optimizing Treatment Strategies and Outcomes in PAD Patients

Learn how appropriate medical and surgical care, recognition of skin changes, and lifestyle counseling can help patients manage PAD to decrease risk for major adverse cardiovascular and limb events.

Launch the Optimizing Treatment Strategies and Outcomes in PAD Patients webinar!

Watch the Webinar Now!

Podcasts

Lifestyle recommendations for PAD patients may improve symptoms and outcomes. Listen and learn the latest recommendations and guideline-based implementation strategies in daily clinical practice to ensure individuals with PAD are appropriately referred to recommended types of exercise therapy with follow-up on disease progression.

Listen to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Podcasts

Health Disparities in PAD: Solutions Across Diverse Communities

Presenters: Lee Kirksey, MD, MBA; David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD; Carlos Mena, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM; Kirsten Concha-Moore MD; Chloé Powell, MD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately impacts women and vulnerable populations in our society including socioeconomically disadvantaged, racial and ethnic minorities, and geographically rural communities. In this podcast, listen as experts discuss the barriers and challenges to identifying PAD across diverse communities.

Transcript: Podcast 6 Health Disparities in PAD: Solutions Across Diverse Communities

PAD: Evaluating the At-Risk Patient

Presenters: Karen Bauer, DNP, CWS; Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP; Pamela Schwartz

Symptoms of Peripheral artery disease (PAD) are often overlooked and are underrecognized by both patients and healthcare providers until discoloration or wounds are present. In this podcast, experts will discuss how to recognize, accurately diagnose, and manage the risk of serious complications in patients with PAD including prevention of ulcerative wounds. Listen now!

Exercise and Foot Care in PAD

Presenters: Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS; Mary M. McDermott, MD; John Evans, DPM; James (Jim) Sassin

Presentations of Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can be diverse and include painful ambulation relieved by rest and atypical symptoms. Some patients may present with more concerning symptoms like pain at rest or tissue loss. In this podcast learn more on exercise and foot care and how to improve the care of patients with PAD.

Improving PAD Lifestyle Changes in your Patients: Balancing Mind and Body

Presenters: Kim Smolderen, PhD, FAHA, FACC; Carlos Mena-Hurtado, MD; Steve Hamburger

The American Heart Association recommends four important lifestyle changes to discuss with your patients: following a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco smoke/smoking, staying active and achieving a healthy weight. In this podcast, learn how to help your patients navigate lifestyle changes to improve health and decrease the progression of PAD. Listen Now!

PAD Teams: It's Better Together!

Presenters: Gregg Piazza, MD, MS; Srini Tummala, MD; Frank Dent

The management of peripheral artery disease (PAD) requires clinical expertise among a healthcare team having variety of specialized skill sets. In this podcast, a multi-specialty panel discusses how patient outcomes are optimized using a team-based approach. Learn about incorporating the right team members as you care for the growing number of patients living with PAD. Listen Now!

Understanding PAD: One Step at a Time

Presenters: Gregg Piazza, MD, MS; Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS; Cheryl Wilson

In this AHA PAD initiative podcast, we will provide an overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of PAD using a patient’s experience to illustrate critical points in the clinical journey. Clinical pearls for differentiating different etiologies for common presentations of PAD such as limb discomfort and ulceration will be emphasized. The importance of a team-based approach to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up will also be highlighted.

senior doctor with tablet working at the office

Online Learning

Expand your professional knowledge with online education from your home or office with our web-based activities.
  • Register for live CME/CE activities
  • Take on-demand CME/CE activities
  • Claim CME/CE for every AHA conference
Lifelong Learning Catalog

PAD Go-To Guide for Health Care Professionals

The guide is an easy-to-use, interactive tool that empowers healthcare professionals to engage patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. Access resources and the AHA’s latest patient engagement tools to deliver effective patient education.
Access Here!
A young black women doctor smiling with a stethoscope

Additional Resources

The PAD National Action Plan is funded in part by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Novo Nordisk Inc., and BD.