Multifactor Risk Reduction for Optimal Management of PAD

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) experience significant functional limitations due to ischemic symptoms (claudication) and are at high risk for CVD morbidity and mortality resulting from untreated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and aggressive atherosclerosis. The overall Goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to examine the synergistic effect of a multifactor risk reduction on walking distance, blood flow and quality of life in 300 patients with PAD. Specifically, we will compare the effects of 24 months of a novel, yet well-tested multiple risk factor reduction program, the Health Education and Risk Reduction Training (HEAR2T) Program for PAD versus enhanced standard care on: 1) symptom limited walking distance as assessed by treadmill exercise testing and walking impairment questionnaire; 2) endothelial function as measured by flow mediated vasodilation (FMVD) via brachial artery ultrasound. We will also explore the association between FMVD and decreased oxidative stress (as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity and urinary isoprostanes) and reduced degradation of nitric oxide (NO) and/or increased NO biosynthesis (as measured by urine nitrogen oxide, plasma nitrogen oxide, plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, plasma, urine and platelet cyclic GMP). Secondary hypotheses examine the association between reducing CVD risk factors, improved endothelial function, increased walking distance, improved quality of life and number of metabolic syndrome abnormalities in PAD patients. Significance. This study will contribute to evidence on the efficacy of multiple risk factor reduction on improving physical function and quality of life in the understudied, elderly PAD patient. This study will also provide preliminary evidence for the biological basis for the efficacy of multifactor risk reduction in restoring vascular homeostasis, critical because of its role in antiatherogenesis and maintaining vasoreactivity, both necessary