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How you can improve your vascular health

You can slow down the progress of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by changing basic lifestyle habits, exercising and decreasing your risk factors.

Improving your circulation

• Don't smoke or use tobacco. This includes pipes, cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Smoking is probably the most important risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• Eat a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat to reduce your risk of atherosclerosis. This is the process of plaque buildup in your arteries. The plaque slows or stops blood flow to and from your blood vessels.
• Join a walking program to improve the circulation to your legs and promote growth of new blood vessels. Ask your health care provider for advice.
• Lose weight if you are overweight. For every pound of fat, your heart needs to pump blood through an extra mile's worth of blood vessels.
• Watch your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), you are at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney damage.
• Your blood pressure should be less than 140/90.
• If you have diabetes, your blood pressure should be less than 130/80.
• If you have high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider.
• If you have diabetes, work to keep your blood glucose in good control.
• People with diabetes are at greater risk because of the damage that diabetes can do to blood vessels.
• Check with your health care provider if you are having problems with your diabertes.

Taking good care of your feet

• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, sores, cracks and swelling. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing.
• Call your health care provider right away if a cut, sore, blister or bruise does not heal after several days. Your health care provider may apply a special dressing to help the ulcer heal and protect it from infection. You may also receive antibiotics (medicine) to fight an infection.
• Wash your feet with mild soap and slightly warm water every day. Do not soak your feet because they may dry out.
• Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between the toes.
• Use a thin coat of lotion and cream for dry skin, but not between your toes. Avoid lotions with perfumes.
• Use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses.
• Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
• Wear shoes and socks at all times.
• Never walk barefoot.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
• Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement.
• Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.
• Always check inside your shoes for worn areas or things that might cause sores on your feet. Ask your health care provider about special shoes.
• Avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time. Instead, cross your legs at the ankles.
• Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for five minutes, two or three times each day.

Related Links

To do list for vascular health

Vascular walking program

Vascular disease

Allina's Vascular Services

Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Minneapolis, Minnesota
612-863-6800

Mercy Hospital and Unity Hospital
Coon Rapids and Fridley, Minnesota
1-866-4HEART2 (443-2782)

First published: 09/01/2004
Last updated: 03/01/2009

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts