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

Vodcasts

First Steps Empowering PAD Management Through Lifestyle Change

Quitting smoking is the most effective way to slow PAD progression—and can improve mobility and reduce leg pain. This episode of the PAD Vodcast Series offers expert strategies on smoking cessation, exercise therapy, nutrition, and medication, with real patient stories to help healthcare professionals enhance vascular health and quality of life.

Understanding Wounds in Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

In this vodcast, experts explore the complexities of wound management in Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Watch now to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge on how to manage wounds in PAD, ensuring better patient care and limb salvage.

Stepping Ahead: Proactive Foot Care in PAD and Diabetes Management

This vodcast provides a practical guide to PAD and diabetic foot care, focusing on prevention, risk assessment, and evidence-based strategies to reduce amputations and improve outcomes. Learn how collaborative care empowers patients and providers to manage risks and prevent complications.

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.

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

Additional Resources

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