Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Peripheral Arterial Disease

To Assess the Safety and Feasibility of a Structured Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease After Successful Revascularization Procedures: A Pilot Study.

The main purpose of this study is to see if it is safe and feasible to use cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) after successful revascularization. This study will also test if CR improves quality of life and health outcomes in PAD patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with PAD post-revascularization (stent, angioplasty, or bypass).
• Patients must have the ability to ambulate safely without assistance and should not have plans for undergoing further staged revascularization procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Below or above the knee amputation.
• Underlying cardiopulmonary or other co-morbidity that would be an exclusion under currently approved standard CR protocols at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC).
• Unfavorable short term prognosis and limited life expectancy (<2 years)
• Awaiting a planned staged revascularization in same or other leg (patients will be eligible once no further procedures are planned).
• Prior history of having dropped out of CR without completing.
• Unwilling to consent for all aspects of CR or study participation.
• Unable to come for CR (this will exclude patients who live far away or have no means to travel to the CR facility).
• Pregnancy