In peripheral arterial disease, which practice is contraindicated?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Applying direct heat to extremities
• C. Foot care
• D. Smoking cessation

Answer: (B)

In peripheral arterial disease, the legs receive less blood flow, so interventions aim to protect tissue and improve safety for healing rather than push heat or stress on already compromised tissue. Regular exercise is encouraged because it helps improve walking distance and collateral circulation. Foot care is essential to prevent ulcers in areas with reduced perfusion, and smoking cessation is crucial to slow disease progression and lower cardiovascular risk. Directly applying heat to the extremities is contraindicated because the impaired blood flow and potential sensory loss mean the skin can be damaged easily by heat, leading to burns and tissue injury. Heat can cause additional stress on tissues that can’t be adequately perfused or healed, so it should be avoided in PAD.