In managing peripheral arterial disease, which action is essential to reduce disease progression?

• A. Increase sodium intake
• B. Use vasodilators only when necessary
• C. Stop smoking
• D. Avoid exercise

Answer: (C)

Stopping smoking is essential because tobacco use directly accelerates atherosclerosis and causes vasoconstriction, inflammation, and platelet aggregation that worsen peripheral arterial disease. Quitting reduces ongoing vascular injury, improves blood flow to the extremities, and lowers overall cardiovascular risk, making this the most impactful step to slow disease progression.

Regular, supervised exercise is also beneficial for symptoms and long-term health, but on its own it doesn’t counteract the smoking-driven processes that advance PAD. Avoiding exercise would worsen claudication and overall health. Increasing sodium intake raises blood pressure and fluid retention, which can worsen vascular disease. Using vasodilators can help with symptoms but does not address the underlying progression driven by smoking.