Getting a Good Diagnosis Vascular Disease

What is an angioplasty?
When you walk, do you have pain or cramping in your leg muscles that goes away when you rest? After rest, can you walk exactly the same distance again before the pain starts and you must rest? If so, then you may be exhibiting the hallmark symptoms of intermittent claudication.

What are the risk factors for peripheral vascular disease?
There are several conditions and habits that increase your chance for vascular disease. Fortunately, many of the risk factors are within your control. Risk factors include:

Smoking
Diabetes
High LDL cholesterol
Low HDL (good) cholesterol
High blood pressure
Sedentary lifestyle
Being overweight
Family history of atherosclerosis

Should I see a vascular specialist?
Do not ignore your leg pain! The severity of the disease and length of time it goes untreated can make a big difference in your treatment and recovery. If you think you may have a problem, make an appointment to see a vascular specialist. Remember, atherosclerosis can occur in any of your arteries. If you are having symptoms in your legs, it is possible that arteries in your heart or neck could also be narrowing, setting you up for a possible heart attack or stroke.

What will a vascular specialist do?
A thorough medical history and physical exam will give the doctor information needed to determine if further tests are required.

Your doctor may order a non-invasive test, called a segmental pressure test, to check the blood flow in your leg arteries. A vascular technologist will wrap blood pressure cuffs around both arms, and at four places along your leg - the upper thigh, the lower thigh, the upper calf, and the ankle. The technologist measures the blood pressure at each location, and the blood pressures in the arms are compared to those in the legs. A decrease in blood pressure in the legs is an indication of arterial blockage. You may also have an ultrasound scan of your legs. If angioplasty or surgery is being considered as a possible treatment for you, your doctor may recommend an angiogram. During an angiogram, dye is placed in the artery while X-ray pictures are taken. The dye lights up your arterial system, making it possible to pinpoint the exact location and severity of your blockages.

What are the treatments?
The best treatment will depend on a number of factors. In some cases, lifestyle changes are enough to slow the progress and manage the disease. Sometimes, procedures are necessary to open up clogged blood vessels.

The goal of any treatment program will focus on reducing your number of risk factors and will usually include:

Exercise program
Reduction of fat and cholesterol in diet
Controlling diabetes and hypertension
Smoking cessation; if you are a smoker, it is absolutely essential that you stop

What can I do?
You can change your lifestyle to reduce any unhealthy habits that contribute to peripheral vascular disease. If you smoke, it is very important to stop! Also, you will want to remove fat and salt from your diet, and start a daily exercise program.

Remember...
It is important to be your own best health advocate. A good way to do that is by committing to routine physical exams and diagnostic tests as often as is recommended by your vascular specialist. Early detection of circulatory problems is important for effective treatment.

To learn more about our Vascular Services or to make an appointment call 909.793.4336

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