For patients, carers and professionals

Resources

This page brings together trustworthy, evidence-based resources for people living with PAD, their carers, and healthcare professionals. All external links go to established organisations and are provided for information only. If you are concerned about your health, please speak to your GP or healthcare team.

Understanding PAD and intermittent claudication

NHS: Peripheral arterial disease

Plain-English overview of PAD, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment from the NHS.

Circulation Foundation: PAD information

Patient information on PAD including advice on self-management and when to seek help.

Vascular Society of GB&I

Resources for patients from the UK's leading vascular specialist professional body.

Exercise and rehabilitation

NICE guideline NG147: Peripheral arterial disease

Current national guidance recommending supervised exercise therapy as first-line treatment for intermittent claudication.

Circulation Foundation: exercise advice

Practical guidance on walking exercise and staying active with PAD.

Walking Scotland

Scotland-based charity supporting people to walk more for health. Useful for people looking to increase activity gradually.

Cardiovascular risk and lifestyle

British Heart Foundation: PAD

Information on PAD and its links to cardiovascular disease, with advice on reducing risk.

NHS Stop Smoking

Stopping smoking is the single most effective step for slowing PAD progression. Free support and resources.

Diabetes UK

Diabetes significantly increases PAD risk. Diabetes UK offers support for people managing both conditions.

For healthcare professionals

NICE NG147: full guideline

Complete NICE guidance for clinicians covering diagnosis, medical management, exercise therapy, and referral.

ESC consensus document on exercise therapy for PAD (2024)

European Society of Cardiology clinical consensus document on exercise therapy for chronic symptomatic PAD, co-authored by the PADresearch team.

OPTIMA systematic review: behaviour change in intermittent claudication (2025)

HTA-funded systematic review of behaviour change interventions for physical activity in people with intermittent claudication.

PrEPAID feasibility trial (BMJ Open, 2025)

Feasibility randomised controlled trial of pain management and patient education to increase physical activity in intermittent claudication.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: vascular rehabilitation resources (BACPAR)

CPD resources and clinical guidance for physiotherapists working with people with PAD.