Efficacy of Cardiac Rehab for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Versus Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

This study is a prospective two-arm cohort study with both groups (CAD and PAD) undergoing the same intervention (standard 6 month out-patient cardiac rehabilitation program offered at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Rumsey Centre). The standard 6-month out-patient cardiac rehabilitation program consists of weekly 1.5 hour visits to the TRI Rumsey Centre. After determining baseline VO2peak from the exercise stress test, an individualized walking exercise prescription will be developed by a cardiac rehabilitation supervisor which corresponds to approximately 60 to 80% of the participant's VO2peak. Participants will be invited to walk around the track and attend education sessions at the same time every week for six months. Patients will be encouraged to gradually increase their exercise time walking speed. Patients will be encouraged to exercise five times a week with four sessions occurring outside of the cardiac rehabilitation program. Both PAD and CAD participants will undergo the same standard cardiac rehabilitation program.