peripheral artery disease
Plaque buildup in the pelvis and leg arteries that narrow the vessels, making it harder for blood flow to those areas.
This process is the same as heart disease, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
PAD Education
Symptoms
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Intermittent cramps in your hips, thighs, or calves with exertion and relieved by rest
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Foot wounds that won't heal
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Decreased temperature of lower extremities
Risk Factors
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High Blood Pressure
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High Cholesterol
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Age (the older you are, the higher the risk)
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Obesity
Treatment Options
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Treating risk factors to lower risk for heart attack and stroke
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Supervised Walking Program
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Medications: Cilostazol (Pletal) which increases walking distance by 40%
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Angioplasty - a balloon is inflated inside of the artery to unblock it. A stent may also be used to hold the artery open
Angiography
X-Ray imaging of blood vessels using a contrast injection
Non-Invasive Vascular
Ultrasound and pressure/ pulse volume recordings take pictures of flow
Stenting
A wire-mesh tube (Stent) props open the artery and is left there permanently
VARICOSE VEINS & VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
Varicose Veins are a common condition occurring in up to 40% of women and 25% of men.
Blood is not adequately drained from the leg veins, over time creating increased leg pressure and symptoms to occur.
Varicose Vein Education
Signs & Symptoms
Leg Pain
Redness
Swelling
Ulcers
Enlarged Veins
Common Solutions
Venous Ablation
Venous Ablation is a procedure that uses radio frequency or laser energy to cauterize (burn) and close the varicose vein. It is safe and less invasive than standard surgery while leaving virtually no scars.
Venous Stenting
A catheter is placed into a narrow or blocked vessel where the balloon is inflated and a sent is inserted. This usually doesn't require general anesthesia.
Venous Compression Syndrome Education
Venous Compression Syndrome is a common condition. Occurs when the major deep veins in the pelvic area are compressed by an adjacent structure such as an artery or previous back surgery hardware.
Signs & Symptoms
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Leg discomfort or fatigue
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Venous stasis and skin staining
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Chronic & Difficult to heal wounds
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Blood clots in the deep veins
