Heat Therapy as a Viable Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease: A Mini Review.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limb extremities due to arterial plaque buildup. Traditional exercise/walking therapies have been used to improve vascular function and walking performance but suffer from low adherence rates due to pain and discomfort. Heat therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, showing similar improvements in vascular and cardiovascular function, often with higher adherence rates.

SUMMARY: This review explores various forms of heat therapy, including passive and active modalities, and their effects on patients with PAD. Heat therapies have demonstrated similar or even superior outcomes compared to traditional exercise/walking therapies, with higher adherence rates.

KEY MESSAGES: Despite promising results, further research is needed to standardize heat therapy protocol and understand the underlying mechanisms. Optimizing heat therapy could offer a viable, patient-friendly alternative to improve vascular function, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life in patients with PAD.