In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the blood vessels in the legs are narrowed by fatty deposits, a condition known as atherosclerosis. PAD is a risk factor for heart attacks, because the atherosclerosis most likely also occurs in the coronary arteries.
Researchers at the University of Colorado studied a group of 950 people with diabetes, which is a commonly associated with PAD. In the study, 480 people had normal blood pressure and 53 of them had PAD. The participants took either a placebo or a blood pressure lowering drug. In the first group, blood pressure went down to an average of 137/81 and in the second group the level was 128/75. It is recommended by The American Heart Association that people with diabetes maintain a blood pressure of less than 130/80.
In the study, 22 patients with PAD were in the drug group and 31 in the placebo group. In patients with PAD, 12 heart attacks occurred among those in the placebo group and only three in the group on blood pressure lowering drugs. Measurement of blood flow in the legs showed that even when blood flow was restricted by severe atherosclerosis, blood pressure lowering medication reduced heart attack risk. The study reinforces the importance of blood pressure control in people with diabetes.
How does high blood pressure affect your arteries?
High blood pressure increases your risk of having PAD. Over time, high blood pressure damages the wall of the arteries. As a result, the arteries become thick, hard, narrow and rough inside, making it harder for the blood to flow.
High blood pressure also increases your risk for having a heart attack, stroke, eye problems and kidney disease. Controlling your blood pressure will lower your chances of having PAD, a heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
It’s always a good idea to be educated and proactive about your health. Many things can affect your blood pressure, including the foods you eat, your intake of salt or sodium, your weight, your level of physical activity, your alcohol intake, whether or not you smoke, and how you handle stress. Make the proper choices to keep healthy and be sure to visit your doctor for annual check-ups.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Peripheral Artery Disease: Screening and Early Treatment Can Save your Legs and your Life
Do you experience frequent leg cramps, leg pain when walking and slow-to-heal sores on your feet? Do you know these symptoms can also be symptoms of a serious disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when there is narrowing of the blood vessels (arteries) outside of the heart. Most frequently, PAD affects the arteries in the pelvis and legs, but it can also affect the arteries in the arms, kidneys and stomach, as well as the aorta, a major blood vessel that comes from the heart and supplies blood to the rest of the body. PAD in the legs occurs when the leg arteries become clogged with fatty deposits that can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet and, if left untreated, amputation may be necessary in severe cases.
PAD can also be a red flag that the same fatty deposit build-up is happening in blood vessels elsewhere in your body, putting you at a risk for having a heart attack or stroke. PAD affects 12 to 20 percent of Americans age 65 or older, yet only one-third of them have any symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. Even those who do experience PAD symptoms often fail to mention them to their doctor, so their PAD is left untreated.
Symptoms of PAD can include: leg pain when walking, foot or toe pain that disturbs sleep, a decrease in body temperature in the lower leg or foot, sores on legs or feet that are slow to heal, a change in the skin color of the legs or feet, and slower hair and toenail growth.
Very often people think their chronic leg pain is due to arthritis or part of the aging process, so their PAD goes undiagnosed. The earlier you can get diagnosis of PAD, the better chance you have of restoring the blood flow in the legs and avoiding more serious problems.
One of the most common tests for PAD is called ankle-brachial index (ABI), a simple, non-invasive test that can be done right in our office. In a typical ABI test a blood pressure cuff is used to measure the blood pressure in both arms and ankles at rest and then again after exercise. Specific changes in the blood pressure between rest and exercise can determine if a patient has PAD. In addition, other tests may include a review of your medical history to understand issues such as family history, diet and smoking habits – all of which can contribute to your risk of having PAD.
While PAD can become a very serious condition if left untreated, it also can be successfully treated through a number of methods. Many patients are helped by simply increasing their exercise and adopting a low fat diet. Some patients may need to take blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications, or blood thinners. For stubborn blockages, an atherectomy proecdure may be needed to drill away the plaque from inside the vessel and a balloon catheter may be inserted through a small incision in an artery to the location of the blockage and inflated to open the vessel. A stent - a tiny metal tube - may also be used to hold the artery open.
If you are experiencing any symptoms mentioned in this blog, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for an evaluation by one of our board certified endovascular surgeons. We have 3 office locations Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek and Plantation for your convenience. South Florida Vascular Associates is equipped with 3 in-office endovascular suites where most of our patients’ procedures are done in the comfort of our office. Easy in and easy discharge.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when there is narrowing of the blood vessels (arteries) outside of the heart. Most frequently, PAD affects the arteries in the pelvis and legs, but it can also affect the arteries in the arms, kidneys and stomach, as well as the aorta, a major blood vessel that comes from the heart and supplies blood to the rest of the body. PAD in the legs occurs when the leg arteries become clogged with fatty deposits that can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet and, if left untreated, amputation may be necessary in severe cases.
PAD can also be a red flag that the same fatty deposit build-up is happening in blood vessels elsewhere in your body, putting you at a risk for having a heart attack or stroke. PAD affects 12 to 20 percent of Americans age 65 or older, yet only one-third of them have any symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. Even those who do experience PAD symptoms often fail to mention them to their doctor, so their PAD is left untreated.
Symptoms of PAD can include: leg pain when walking, foot or toe pain that disturbs sleep, a decrease in body temperature in the lower leg or foot, sores on legs or feet that are slow to heal, a change in the skin color of the legs or feet, and slower hair and toenail growth.
Very often people think their chronic leg pain is due to arthritis or part of the aging process, so their PAD goes undiagnosed. The earlier you can get diagnosis of PAD, the better chance you have of restoring the blood flow in the legs and avoiding more serious problems.
One of the most common tests for PAD is called ankle-brachial index (ABI), a simple, non-invasive test that can be done right in our office. In a typical ABI test a blood pressure cuff is used to measure the blood pressure in both arms and ankles at rest and then again after exercise. Specific changes in the blood pressure between rest and exercise can determine if a patient has PAD. In addition, other tests may include a review of your medical history to understand issues such as family history, diet and smoking habits – all of which can contribute to your risk of having PAD.
While PAD can become a very serious condition if left untreated, it also can be successfully treated through a number of methods. Many patients are helped by simply increasing their exercise and adopting a low fat diet. Some patients may need to take blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications, or blood thinners. For stubborn blockages, an atherectomy proecdure may be needed to drill away the plaque from inside the vessel and a balloon catheter may be inserted through a small incision in an artery to the location of the blockage and inflated to open the vessel. A stent - a tiny metal tube - may also be used to hold the artery open.
If you are experiencing any symptoms mentioned in this blog, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for an evaluation by one of our board certified endovascular surgeons. We have 3 office locations Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek and Plantation for your convenience. South Florida Vascular Associates is equipped with 3 in-office endovascular suites where most of our patients’ procedures are done in the comfort of our office. Easy in and easy discharge.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Walking Relieves Leg Pain Caused by Peripheral Artery Disease
We know how important walking can be for overall health. A new study now shows it can also help reduce leg pain in patients with Peripheral Artery Disease. 12 million Americans have PAD and 4 million of those patients suffer with leg pain.
A study released in July’s Journal of the American Medical Association, followed nearly 200 patients on a 6-month intervention program that included part of the group walking 5 days a week for 50 minutes. Patients also spent one day a week in a support group for 45 minutes.
Most walkers increased speed and endurance. The results showed that supervised walking on the treadmill improves PAD symptoms as much or more than surgery.
Researchers believe the support group combined with the exercise was a key part of patient success. Those not assigned to exercise — who attended weekly health lectures instead — actually grew weaker, walking 30 feet less than when they started.
At South Florida Vascular Associates we encourage a healthy lifestyle as part of the overall treatment for PAD. Our expert interventional radiologists develop a specific treatment plan for patients with vascular problems. At SFVA we choose to treat patients in minimally invasive ways whenever possible.
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 many of our patients are treated right in out 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. We have 3 office locations for your convenience. Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation. Contact us today for an appointment - (954) 725-4141.
A study released in July’s Journal of the American Medical Association, followed nearly 200 patients on a 6-month intervention program that included part of the group walking 5 days a week for 50 minutes. Patients also spent one day a week in a support group for 45 minutes.
Most walkers increased speed and endurance. The results showed that supervised walking on the treadmill improves PAD symptoms as much or more than surgery.
Researchers believe the support group combined with the exercise was a key part of patient success. Those not assigned to exercise — who attended weekly health lectures instead — actually grew weaker, walking 30 feet less than when they started.
At South Florida Vascular Associates we encourage a healthy lifestyle as part of the overall treatment for PAD. Our expert interventional radiologists develop a specific treatment plan for patients with vascular problems. At SFVA we choose to treat patients in minimally invasive ways whenever possible.
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 many of our patients are treated right in out 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. We have 3 office locations for your convenience. Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation. Contact us today for an appointment - (954) 725-4141.
Monday, August 12, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, July 26, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
If You Have Plans to Travel this Summer Be Sure to Keep Your Legs Moving to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
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| 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.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
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.
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.
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