Prevention

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There are some measures you can take to prevent the development of PAD, including:

There are several things you can do to prevent PAD, including:

• Quitting smoking. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and makes blood clot more easily, while the carbon monoxide and other chemicals in smoke damages artery linings.

• Exercising regularly to prevent the buildup of cholesterol, help with weight-loss efforts and maintain healthy circulation.

• Eating a low-fat, low-salt, balanced diet that stresses vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and meats. People with PAD often have elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, both of which can be controlled with a healthy diet.

• Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Maintaining tight management over blood glucose levels if you have diabetes.

• Exercising regularly under the supervision of your physician.

Your Best Source of PAD Health Information

The national, nonprofit Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition is a good source for unbiased, up-to-date information on PAD. The PAD Coalition combines health information from about 62 major national vascular professional societies, health organizations and government agencies. Visit its Web site at www.padcoalition.org.

If you are interested in leading efforts within your community to improve PAD awareness, you can find additional tools at the national "Stay in Circulation: Take Steps to Learn about PAD" Web site sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at www.aboutpad.org.