• Quitting smoking (or not starting to smoke). Tobacco smoking is a major cause of peripheral arterial disease and stroke. Smokers who develop PAD are diagnosed with the condition about 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading smoking-related cause of death in the United States among men and women. The CDC also suggests that the average smoker dies nearly seven years before a nonsmoker. Experts say that quitting smoking is probably the most important step toward reducing the risk for PAD.

  • Eating a heart-healthy diet. Modern research has consistently supported the idea that the health of people’s bodies is largely determined by what they choose to eat. While certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to be helpful to heart health, fats and oils such as saturated fat and tropical oils (palm and coconut oil) have been shown to be particularly harmful, because they can speed the development of peripheral arterial disease, atherosclerosis and obesity. 

  • Improving your cholesterol profile. A person’s total cholesterol (which includes LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) should be no more than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Key strategies for reducing levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are to eat a heart-healthy diet and to exercise regularly. If these strategies do not reduce total cholesterol levels, a physician may prescribe cholesterol-reducing drugs. Strategies for increasing levels of HDL cholesterol include eating monounsaturated fats in moderation, decreasing the amount of saturated fat, limiting alcohol use and starting an exercise program (under a physician’s supervision).

  • Controlling homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced as a normal byproduct of protein metabolism. High homocysteine levels have been linked to damage of the arteries, which may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Researchers are studying whether high homocysteine levels are an actual cause of such conditions, or are simply associated with them for some other reason. The American Heart Association recommends testing homocysteine blood levels in patients with known risk factors for heart disease (e.g., a family history of heart disease). Homocysteine can be kept at moderate, healthy levels if the body has adequate levels of three important B-vitamins: vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid (the synthetic and more easily absorbed version of folate). Therefore people are encouraged to make sure they get enough B-vitamins every day.

  • Exercising regularly. Exercise can be an excellent tool in both prevention of heart disease and improving quality of life for heart patients. Physically, it can slow or even reverse the process of atherosclerosis, as well as lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. Emotionally, it can reduce levels of stress and depression. Individuals should consult with a physician before beginning an exercise program.

  • Controlling diabetes. Persons with diabetes are more likely to develop heart-related diseases. Preventative care is crucial to the overall health and heart function of diabetic patients. 

  • Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension). Individuals with high blood pressure are at greater risk of cardiovascular problems resulting from CAD. Hypertension can be controlled through taking blood pressure medications, self-monitoring, eating a heart-healthy, low-salt diet and engaging in regular exercise. People are also encouraged to have regular check-ups with their physician. 

  • Controlling weight. Obesity and being overweight are major risk factors for a host of serious health conditions, including peripheral arterial disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Some weight control methods include limiting fat in a patient’s diet, increase activity levels, counseling, medication and surgical interventions. 

  • Stress management. Stress can lead to high-risk practices such as overeating, smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension) and a lack of exercise. In addition, chronic stress may be a direct contributor to poor heart health because it produces increases in blood pressure that could become permanent. 

  • Controlling chronic depression. Depression has been linked with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and having a heart attack.

  • Learn your family medical history. A patient’s family medical history can greatly increase (or decrease) the risk of the patient developing certain medical conditions, including peripheral arterial disease. Some patients prefer to develop their own medical family tree and bring it with them to their doctor appointment. A complete family tree traces the medical history of an individual (and his or her spouse, if applicable), through at least several generations.