Efficacy of life style modifications on severity, and operation rates for patients with peripheral artery disease

Abstract

Background: Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory problem causing reduced blood flow through the arteries. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lifestyle modifications on severity and operating rates for patients with peripheral artery disease. Design and methods: An experimental study design was used with a purposive sample of 100 adult patients admitted to the vascular unit with peripheral artery disease aged ≥ 45 years. The study was carried out at the vascular surgery department and its outpatient clinic at Assiut University Hospital. Tools: (I) Patients’ interview questionnaire sheet; (II): Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire; (III): The ankle-brachial index; (IV): The San Diego Claudication Questionnaire; and (V): Manipal lifestyle' modifications scale. Results: The mean age of patients in the study and control groups was 58.15±12.08 years. 84 % of study group patients experienced no pain, compared with 64 % of patients in the same group who experienced rest pain on admission. There was a decrease in amputation rates, with 12 % in the study group compared with 34 % in the control group of patients. More than three-quarters (76 %) had high lifestyle modification at follow-up compared with (96 %) of the study group having low lifestyle modification at admission. Conclusion and recommendation: Lifestyle modifications have a great effect on decreasing disease severity and operation rates. Peripheral artery disease patients should be included in a lifestyle modification program and closely monitored to decrease their disease severity and operative and amputation rates.