News

Contact: Crossing Rivers Communications

“If you are bothered by pain, fatigue, heaviness, or cramping in your legs either during or after walking or climbing stairs, you could be experiencing symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease,” explained Tammy Thompson, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Cardiac Rehab Manager at Crossing Rivers Health. “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or sometimes known as Peripheral Vascular Disease, is a form of cardiovascular disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries of the legs and feet and slows blood flow to the leg muscles.”

According to Thompson, PAD affects millions of Americans, and it often goes undetected because it doesn’t always have symptoms. When symptoms do present, Thompson noted that people often self-diagnose, blaming arthritis, aging or being out of shape. She explained, “PAD is easily diagnosed through a simple test called an Ankle Brachial Index. Other tests can include imaging studies- such as Ultrasound or CT scan. These tests can identify the amount of blood flow to the feet and legs. Major risk factors for PAD, include a history of smoking and diabetes.”

PAD can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and even surgery. One easy, low cost treatment option for PAD is Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET), which involves a series of weekly exercise sessions with the end goal of an improved ability to walk with reduced pain.

Thompson shared encouraging news for PAD patients. She said, “At Crossing Rivers Health, our clinical exercise staff has been treating individuals with PAD through our SET program with excellent results. I am also pleased to share that Medicare now offers coverage for beneficiaries to participate in SET for the treatment of their symptomatic peripheral artery disease.”

Pat Stovey, Clinical Exercise Physiologist explained, “Having PAD is a serious condition, but it is treatable. Managing your risk factors by making healthy changes is important. Walking is the most effective way to treat PAD and over time ease the discomfort or pain that occurs with activity.” Stovey stated, “Walking is typically uncomfortable for those that suffer with PAD, and it is usually the last thing a patient wants to do. However, regular exercise over time helps the body increase blood flow around a blockage in the artery of the leg. It is tremendously rewarding to help our participants achieve an improved ability to walk and have a better quality of life.”

The clinical exercise staff at Crossing Rivers Health includes Tammy Thompson, Pat Stovey, and Austin Neis. They have a combined total of 27 years of experience in exercise programming for individuals with heart disease risk factors and Peripheral Artery Disease. Thompson and Stovey are also certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in exercise programming for patients with chronic disease. Individuals are encouraged to talk with their physician about a referral to the supervised exercise program as a treatment option for PAD. A physician referral is required for enrollment.

Thompson added, “For questions regarding the PAD exercise therapy program or to learn about Cardiac Rehab or our Healthy Hearts program at Crossing Rivers Health, please call 608-357-2349 or access our website at crossingrivers.org.”