Peripheral Artery Disease: A Global Crisis

The number of people with Peripheral Artery Disease worldwide has skyrocketed. In 2000, there were 164 million cases reported and in 2010 the number jumped to 202 million. That's more than a 23% increase in just 10 years according to a new study published in the journal The Lancet.
Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when fatty deposits build up and block the arteries, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the legs and feet. It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and can lead to difficulty walking and amputation.

PAD often goes undiagnosed. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol.
The new study from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom suggests 1 in 10 over the age of 70 is affected by PAD - 1 in 6 over the age of 80.

Longer life expectancy and changing lifestyles appears to be reasons for the increase.  And it seems income plays a role in who is affected. PAD increased 13% in high income countries and nearly 29% in the rest of the world.

The findings are a call to action. There is an urgent need to assess treatment and create prevention strategies says the study’s lead author Gerry Fowkes.  When a condition affects as many as 200 million people a global strategic plan must be developed.

At South Florida Vascular Associates we develop a specific plan to treat vascular conditions for each individual patient. Our expert interventional radiologists focus on vascular problems and treating them in minimally invasive ways.

 See Dr. Swee's interview on WPLG-TV about a new device for Peripheral Artery Disease. Drs. William Julien, Warren Swee, and Curtis Anderson are board certified endovascular surgeons at South Florida Vascular Associates. They are experts in the field of interventional radiology, one of the fastest growing areas of medicine. The minimally invasive techniques used by interventional radiologists often replace open surgical procedures. This means smaller incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time for patients.

What makes SFVA unique is it allows for many patients to be treated in the Coconut Creek office in a sophisticated endovascular surgery suite – one of the first of its kind in the country. If you’re suffering from any vascular disease, the doctors at SFVA can help. Contact us  today for an evaluation - (954) 725-4141.

Vascular Disease linked to Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s – Diet and Exercise Key

Eating healthy foods like lean proteins and vegetables and exercising regularly have always been the remedy for losing weight or reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. A new study now suggests that same healthy combination may also delay or prevent the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

This study by researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the first to compare the presence of cerebrovascular disease across the whole spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers were surprised how strong the link is between vascular disease and dementia. Nearly 80% of Alzheimer's patients studied had some form of vascular disease.
There are currently no modifying therapies to change the course of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease. So based on this new research, promoting a healthy lifestyle especially in young people will likely help reduce the number of these patients in the future.

One of the most common vascular conditions is Peripheral Artery Disease or PDA when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. PAD is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries or atherosclerosis. Angioplasty and stenting are just some of the treatments that can be used to open the arteries and restore blood flow.

The doctors at South Florida Vascular Associates focus on vascular problems and treating them in minimally invasive ways. This rapidly growing area of medicine is known as interventional radiology. The minimally invasive techniques used by interventional radiologists often replace open surgical procedures. This means smaller incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time for patients.

Dr. William Julien is president of South Florida Vascular Associates. His unique practice allows for many patients to be treated right in his Coconut Creek office in a sophisticated endovascular surgery suite – one of the first of its kind in the country.

If you’re suffering from vascular disease, the doctors at SFVA can help. Contact us today for an evaluation from one of our board certified physicians. We have 3 locations for your convenience. Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation, Florida. - (954) 725-4141.

If You Have Plans to Travel this Summer Be Sure to Keep Your Legs Moving to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis

If you are traveling this summer, you might want to make sure you work in some leg stretches along the way. When you sit for any extended period of time, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis, can develop deep inside the veins in the legs and they can become life threatening.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in Left Leg

Serious blood clots are typically more common after the age of 60, and are twice as likely to occur during long-distance travel. If a blood clot forms in the leg, it can potentially break off and travel up to the lungs where it can block normal breathing. This is called a pulmonary embolism and can be fatal if left untreated

To reduce your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism while traveling, you should:

•    Move your legs often in your seat
•    Do stretches by flexing and pointing your toes
•    Walk up and down the aisle
•    If traveling by car, stop every couple of hours and walk around for a few minutes.
•    Wear compression socks or stockings if you have a history of clotting or circulation problems
•    Discuss your travel plans with health-care provider
•    Stay well-hydrated during your journey

Since summer is a popular season for travel, make sure you know how to reduce your chances of deep vein thrombosis.

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your leg and you suspect that you might have deep vein thrombosis please contact our office immediately to schedule an evaluation with one of our board certified endovascular surgeons. We have 3 convenient office locations Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation, Florida. Contact us today at 954-725-4141.

Diabetics and Superbug Risks

If there’s anything Americans can agree on, it’s that diabetes is a disease you should not take lightly. Lifestyle changes, like exercising and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can help to prevent and reduce the symptoms of diabetes.

Nearly 26 million American children and adults have diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2012 diagnosed diabetes in the United States cost $245 billion.
The Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare was created to cut healthcare costs.  So it’s important for Americans to adopt some of these lifestyle changes to prevent higher health care costs for the nation.

Constant monitoring of diabetics may actually cut costs. A new study released in May 2013 from the Journal of Medical Microbiology only supports this theory.
Experts have known for years that diabetics are at greater risk of contracting bacterial infections. The new study shows these same patients are at more risk than non-diabetics to contract those Superbugs that are resistant to certain antibiotics.

Also one of the conditions that result from diabetes is critical limb ischemia or “diabetic foot.” This disorder occurs when arteries of the lower extremities are severely blocked significantly reducing blood flow.

Diabetic patients are more at risk of CLI and amputation of a limb. New research indicates these patients not only need excellent care but constant follow up and regular visits to the doctor to prevent diabetic foot ulcerations and ultimately amputations.

At South Florida Vascular Associates we provide the most advanced vascular care and the latest minimally invasive endovascular treatments.  Our team of interventional radiologists performs a variety of procedures in our state-of-the-Art endovascular suites.

If you are a diabetic and you are experiencing pain in your legs while walking, you may have peripheral artery disease which can become a serious problem if left untreated. We invite you to contact our office to schedule an evaluation with one of our board certified interventional radiologists. We have 3 convenient office locations for your convenience, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek and Plantation.

Contact us today at 954-573-2929.

Show Off Legs With Confidence – Attacking Varicose Veins

South Florida is known for its year-long balmy temperatures. Because of the heat, shorts, skirts and dresses are fashion staples – a way for men and women to show off their sexy legs.
But some folks will keep their legs hidden because of embarrassing varicose veins or spider veins. 40 million Americans in all are affected.

Symptoms

Varicose veins are blue, twisted and thick veins that typically develop on the calves or lower legs. Not only are these veins unattractive but they can hurt. Symptoms of varicose veins include aching, debilitating pain, swelling and rashes.

When valves in the legs' superficial veins stop closing, gravity pulls blood back down and pools inside the veins. This is called venous insufficiency.

Varicose veins affect both men and women over 50. But below the age of 50, more women have them.

Varicose Veins Causes

The most common reasons for varicose veins are:
•    Heredity
•    Multiple Pregnancies
•    Obesity
•    History of Blood Clots

Spider Veins Causes

Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.

Prevention

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing both spider and varicose veins. These are things that can also help to ease the discomfort from the ones you already have:
•    Wear Sunscreen
•    Exercise/Focus on strengthening the legs
•    Don’t cross legs
•    Don’t stand for long periods of time
•    Eat a high fiber diet
•    Avoid wearing high heels

Treatments

Some spider veins and varicose veins cannot be prevented. When you get them, exercising, elevating the legs and wearing support stockings can help to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. But when these and the other suggestions above do not work, surgery may bring relief.

At South Florida Vascular Associates, we treat vascular problems in minimally invasive ways. Our team of interventional radiologists offers the most advanced procedures in our state-of-the-Art endovascular suites.

If you have varicose or spider veins and want to know your treatment options, call South Florida Vascular Associates today at 954-573-2929.

Preventing Peripheral Artery Disease

America’s population is aging and is contributing to the increasing health care costs in the country. One of the most prevalent conditions affecting America’s older population is Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD.

One in five people over age 60 has it - an estimated 8 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. PAD is a narrowing of the arteries caused by a plaque buildup. This limits blood flow to your head, organs and limbs which can potentially be life threatening.

Symptoms and Complications

PAD can go undetected for years, slowly and silently developing in your body. UW Medicine Health has some very important information on what you can do to prevent PAD. The most common cause of PAD is hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. If the arteries that deliver blood to the legs are blocked, this will cause debilitating leg pain, ulcers and can lead to amputation. The most common cause of stroke is blocked arteries to the brain. And when PAD affects arteries to the kidneys, this can lead to severe high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Common risk factors include:
•    Older than 60
•    Ethnicity- more African Americans are affected
•    Family History
•    High Cholesterol
•    High Blood Pressure
•    High blood sugars and diabetes
•    Obesity
•    Smoking/History of Smoking

Treatment Options

In some cases, lifestyle changes are enough to improve the condition. If routine screenings of Peripheral Artery Disease for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, lipids and sugar levels show you are at risk for PAD, medications are often necessary. When medication does not work, surgery is needed to open up the arteries.

Endovascular Surgery

The doctors at South Florida Vascular Associates focus on vascular problems and treating them in minimally invasive ways. This rapidly growing area of medicine is known as interventional radiology. The minimally invasive techniques used by interventional radiologists often replace open surgical procedures. This means smaller incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time for patients.

At South Florida Vascular Associates, with offices in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation, we are very successful treating patients with PAD because we use the latest multidisciplinary approaches that treat the whole patient. Our patients are also treated in our unique office setting which has 3 sophisticated endovascular surgery suites where the majority of our patients are treated. SFVA is one of few interventional radiology practices in the US where patients can be treated in the comfort of an office setting.

If you’re suffering from PAD, the doctors at SFVA can help. Contact us today for an appointment - (954) 725-4141.

10 years after NBC Journalist David Bloom's death, greater awareness of DVT

By Linda Carroll Today Health

Ten years ago while covering the war in Iraq, NBC journalist David Bloom was struck and killed, not by a stray bullet or roadside bomb, but by a clot that traveled to his lungs and blocked blood flow.  The clot had started in Bloom’s legs as a deep vein thrombosis and then traveled silently up to his lungs until it lodged in an artery there.

Bloom’s family was stunned when they heard the news.

“We had braced ourselves for all the war-related dangers that that assignment entailed,” his wife, Melanie Bloom told TODAY.com. “But when I got that call, I had never heard  of DVT myself and I don’t think David ever had. The more I learned, the more shocked I was. It wasn’t an IED or a bomb that took his life. It was this DVT.”

As a way of finding some meaning in her husband’s death Bloom set out to educate the public about DVT and has been working to alert everyone to the danger.

Thursday, she told TODAY how far that effort has come.

“In the past ten years we’ve established March as national DVT awareness month and we’ve raised awareness by about 20 percent,  which is quite significant because the year David passed a study showed that 74 percent of Americans were completely unaware of DVT,” she told TODAY’s Matt Lauer.

DVT can be treated and pulmonary embolism sometimes averted, Dr. Geno Merli, a clinical professor at Jefferson University and co-director of the Jefferson Vascular Center, told TODAY. Merli is also a paid consultant to Sanofi-Aventis, which makes a DVT therapy.


David Bloom, 39, died of a pulmonary embolism while covering the U.S.-led war in Iraq, on April 6, 2003.

Further, we can lower our risk of dying by changing the way we live and by knowing the warning signs that a DVT is developing, Merli said.

“There’s a personal risk through obesity, and age, which of course we can’t change,” Merli said. “And there are some, such as cancer, medications that could cause [a DVT] or immobility, say from the fracture of a leg.”

Other risk factors include injury, surgery, illness, pregnancy, smoking, and prolonged immobility, which can occur if you’re sitting on a long plane trip without moving your legs.

DVT warning signs include pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness of the affected area, and skin that is warm to the touch. Symptoms of pulmonary embolisms include shortness of breath, an apprehensive feeling, chest pain, rapid pulse, sweating, or a bloody cough.

However, “50 percent of the time there are no symptoms,” Bloom said, “so it’s important to know if you fall into any of those risk categories.”

DVT and pulmonary embolism strikes about 300,000 to 600,000 people a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The Surgeon General’s office estimates that more than 100,000 people die each year as a result of  DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Five years after her husband’s death Melanie Bloom remarried and had two more children in addition to the three she had with Bloom. Still, “we think about David every single day. It’s been so cathartic and wonderful to know we’ve saved lives in his memory and in his honor,” she said.

At South Florida Vascular Associates we have successfully treated hundreds of patients. If you have been diagnosed with DVT and would like more information on treatment options please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endovascular surgeons.