Why cardiovascular rehabilitation services should include patients with intermittent claudication?

Abstract

Chronic peripheral arterial disease represents a frequent and underestimated localization of atherosclerosis and its management often appears to be inadequate. The association with ischemic heart disease, the weighty prevalence of coronary disease risk factors, the high cardiovascular rate of morbidity and mortality, the sharp reduction in the tenor of life and the well-being supervised physical training efficacy constitute the main reasons that transform Cardiac Rehabilitation into an ideal setting for the treatment of patients suffering from intermittent claudication. Thanks to the cultural patrimony of cardiologists, together with other professionals, such as psychologists, dieticians, physiotherapists and nurses, it is possible to initiate an multi- comprehensive treatment program. Besides, this type of management may decrease both morbidity and mortality as well as reduce symptoms and improve the patients’ quality of life.

Keywords

• intermittent claudication
• cardiovascular risk factors
• cardiac rehabilitation
• exercise training