Cardiac Rehabilitation

Vascular Exercise Program

Our vascular exercise program offers supervised exercise therapy for those with symptomatic peripheral artery disease experiencing claudication. Supervised exercise is known to improve walking ability, overall functional status, and health-related quality of life. A structured exercise program has been shown to have comparable benefits on walking ability, functional status, and quality of life as limb revascularization (with angioplasty and stenting) in those with claudication. We offer an exercise program to facilitate these improvements in limb related symptoms and functional ability.

Beyond limb-related outcomes, people with peripheral artery disease are also at a higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Our program provides a comprehensive approach to address other factors known to negatively impact cardiovascular risk, including smoking cessation and cholesterol management.

Patients with an established diagnosis of peripheral artery disease with claudication may join the program. For questions regarding eligibility or referral, call Carol McNally, RN at 617-638-8788.

About the Program

The program consists of one-hour exercise sessions, one to two times per week for 12 weeks. Sessions include exercise, risk factor counseling, and patient education. The program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. We provide each patient with:

• An initial assessment by a vascular medicine specialist/cardiologist
• A treadmill exercise test
• Possible noninvasive vascular testing (if needed)
• Supervised exercise training
• Personal nutrition evaluation and weight management
• Cholesterol screening and management
• Smoking cessation counseling and management
• Risk factor assessment and modification
• Education on proper foot care
• Periodic reports to referring physicians
• A transition program is available to interested participants who wished to extend their time in exercise training