APK4120 2/26

Course Updates

• Adjustments made to fit the content into one less week due to time constraints.

• Previous format of group presentations for term paper has been replaced; not enough time for group presentations.

• More time allotted for covering chapters instead, leading to changes in the syllabus.

Current Progress

• Exam II material is being completed earlier than anticipated, creating more time for study prep.

• The plan is to finish the last slide on the PAD chapter today and likely complete the Pacemaker chapter by Friday.

• Next week classes will be canceled on Monday and Wednesday.

• The exam will remain on Friday; no changes to the exam schedule as it has been planned for a week from Friday.

Focus on PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease)

• Focus on increasing walking distance as the primary exercise prescription goal for patients with PAD.

• Importance of aerobic exercise over intensity or speed in context of patient limitations.

Key Considerations for Exercising with PAD

• Patient Limitation Awareness:

  • Intermittent claudication primarily affects calf muscles, causing potential for cramping during workouts.

  • Shifting focus from speed to distance can alleviate performance anxiety for patients.

Physiological Benefits of Increased Walking Distance

• Increased Angiogenesis and Collateral Circulation:

  • Improving blood flow through increased distance significantly benefits PAD patients.

• Reduction in Blood Viscosity:

  • Exercise helps thin blood, reducing plaque formation risk implicated in endothelial injury.

• Attenuation of Atherosclerosis:

  • Enhancements in oxygen and metabolic substrate extraction improve skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism.

• Improved Exercise Tolerance:

  • Adequate oxygen and energy substrates enhance patient stamina during workouts leading to greater distances.

• Increased Pain Tolerance:

  • Patients may endure claudication pain without severity change, promoting longer exercise sessions.

• Improved Endothelial Function:

  • Counteracts dysfunction linked to atherosclerosis, key for patient management.

Study Recommendations

• Suggested comparison and contrast study between:

  • Acute Coronary Syndromes and Revascularization chapters alongside PAD chapter.

• Understanding connections among these diseases is crucial for efficient exam preparation.