Does Crossing Your Legs Cause Varicose Veins?

Contrary to an old wives tale: a study in the journal Blood Pressure Monitoring determined that crossing your legs while sitting has no or little impact on whether you’ll develop varicose veins. Actually, sitting with legs or ankles crossed has no immediate effects on your health however, if you sit with your legs crossed for long periods of time without moving your legs or changing your position, it has been shown that blood pressure rises temporarily and additional stress is placed on your hip joints.

If you sit a lot or have a job that requires you to sit behind a desk for long periods of time and you develop tingles in your legs, the best thing to do is to take breaks and walk around the office. Tingles in your legs can be caused by the temporary restriction of blood flow so walking around will improve your blood circulation and wake up your muscles and get them working.

It is also recommended for those who sit for long periods of time do light exercises while sitting down. Below are a few exercises to try and they should be done several times a day to keep your blood flowing through your legs.

• Lift your feet off the ground and flex them up and down to enable fresh blood to flow through your legs
• Flex and release the muscles in your legs starting at your toes and working upwards
• Place a foot rest under your chair to keep your legs and feet elevated, this position helps with circulation
• Stand and stretch several times per day
• Massage your legs

As long as you keep moving your legs, blood will continue flowing through your veins to keep your legs healthy and reduce your risk for varicose veins.

If you do suffer from unsightly, painful varicose veins or spider veins, doctors at South Florida Vascular Associates  Dr. William Julien and Dr. Curtis Anderson, offer several minimally-invasive vein treatments to treat varicose veins and circulation problems, including endovenous laser ablation (EVLT), sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy.

“Movember”, No-Shave November - Raises Awareness for Men's Health Issues

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month also known as Movember. Movember is a campaign in which men can participate by growing a mustache or facial hair to arouse conversation and raise awareness of men’s health issues. As many men are not great at scheduling regular doctor visits, Movember is a time to encourage men to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease.

Movember supports men’s health issues such as depression, physical inactivity, prostate cancer, testicle cancer, and other medical conditions that are prevalent in men. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the number of cases is expected to almost double to 1.7 million cases by 2030.

Gender is one of the strongest predictors of health and life expectancy. For men, this is not good news. On average across the world, men die 6 years earlier than women. In addition, poor mental health affects men more than women, in fact three quarters of suicides are by men. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year. That’s one every minute.

The aim of this cause is to increase early detection of cancer as well as other male related illnesses. Early detection enables physicians to implement treatment plans that can potentially save lives. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

If you’re not interested in growing facial hair, the Foundation's also hosts a "MOVE in Movember" challenge which encourages men and women too, to be physically active throughout November. Move in Movember is a great way for men who suffer from peripheral artery disease to be more active. Walking and bicycling are some of the best forms of activity to keep the blood flowing through your legs.

So here’s to all of the men out there… at South Florida Vascular Associates, we urge you take the time to think about your health and schedule annual doctor appointments; be aware of any family history of medical conditions that could potentially affect you, stay active, eat healthy, and live longer, healthier, lives.

Studies Show That Drinking 2 Cups of Beetroot Juice Daily Can Lower Your Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease

Did you know that beetroot juice is loaded with multiple essential vitamins and minerals and is one of the healthiest super-foods out there? Many people aren’t particularly fond of the taste of beetroot juice but there are so many health benefits to be derived from it and so many tasty recipes you can create with them that you must not miss out.  Beyond supplying the body with an array of nutrients, beetroot juice also has tangible positive effects on your energy levels, peripheral artery disease and cardiovascular health.

Beetroot juice is a natural multivitamin accompanied by a large amount of mineral content. It is loaded with high levels of vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene (vitamin A) and vitamins B1, B2 and B3. Mineral wise, beetroot juice contains a long list of valuable nutrients: potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium and iron. In addition, beetroot juice contains protein in the form of a complete set of amino acids.

Because of all of the natural nitrates contained in beetroot juice, it has the ability to increase stamina and lower blood pressure. The evidence of this finding comes from a British study from The London School of Medicine. The study determined that the nitrate levels in 500 milliliters of beetroot juice a day had a measurable effect on blood pressure reduction. The findings also showed that not only did the nitrates in the beetroot juice reduce blood pressure just few hours after ingestion, but the positive effects still registered a full day after ingestion.

The exact reasons behind how nitrates actually reduce blood pressure is still being studied, but researchers believe that the natural nitrites in beet juice may act as a blood vessel expander that improves circulation.

Beetroot juice has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The widening of blood vessels caused by nitrate ingestion not only improves circulation, but also decreases the risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and vascular disease. Studies show that by expanding the blood vessels, the nitrates in beetroot juice supply more blood and oxygen to the heart. Not only does beetroot juice dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, it also reduces the amount of oxygen muscles need during physical activity. This muscle effect makes it much easier for people of all ages, no matter what their health condition is, to perform both low- and high-intensity physical activities. In fact, researchers noted that those who drank beet juice required 12 percent less effort to walk than those who did not drink it. Two cups of beetroot juice daily are recommended for increasing nitrate levels to a degree that's beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

While scientific interest in beetroot juice has only gained momentum in the past few decades, reports of its use as a natural medicine dates back to Roman times.  In fact, beetroot juice has been shown to lower inflammation, increase brain function and helps to supply more oxygen to the muscles of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to extend their time until exhaustion by 15 percent when exercising.

By no means is beetroot juice a replacement for the necessary medicines prescribed by your physician. It is a natural supplement that is showing to be very effective for many chronic illnesses but should not be expected to cure them on its own.

If you are interested in adding beetroot juice to your diet, it is available on the market:
Beet-It is highly concentrated so you may want to hold your nose and down a shot or two rather than a full glassful, making it a supplement rather than food. Unbeetable, developed at Wake Forest, is sweeter and slightly carbonated. Among the side effects of the juices are pink urine and stools, with a small fraction of people having beet allergies

Please enjoy trying these easy recipes for adding the benefits of beets and beetroot juice to your diet.

7 Delicious Nutritious Beetroot Juice Recipies

South Florida Vascular Associates Now Offers Minimally Invasive Treatment for Advanced Stage Metastatic Liver Cancer

South Florida Vascular Associates and Dr. Curtis Anderson are pleased to announce the availability of SIR-Spheres® microspheres to treat patients with metastatic liver cancer. SIR-Spheres microspheres are the only fully FDA PMA approved microspheres for colorectal cancer that has metastasized (cancer that has spread from a primary source) to the liver.

Our doctors are now offering this new minimally invasive treatment radioembolization, using yttrium 90 (Y90) beads for primary or metastatic liver cancer that can extend survival time and provides new hope to patients with liver tumors.

The procedure, performed in a hospital setting as an outpatient involves placing a catheter from an artery in the groin or arm into the artery supplying blood to the liver. Radioactive beads are then administered through the lobe of the liver into the tumor(s).

SIR-Spheres Y-90 Microspheres Carried By Blood Flow

The beads contain Y90, which is highly radioactive but only delivers high energy radiation less than ½ inch (1 cm) from where the beads are deposited. Therefore, tumors and surrounding liver tissue receive high doses of therapeutic radiation while nearby organs are spared.

Clinical studies have confirmed that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with SIR-Spheres microspheres have response rates higher than with other forms of treatment, resulting in increased life expectancy, greater periods without tumor activity and improved quality of life. SIRT has been found to shrink liver tumors more than chemotherapy alone.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer and your current treatment plan is not working for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians to determine if you are a candidate for SIRT. We have 3 convenient office locations, Coconut Creek, Plantation and Boynton Beach for your convenience.

September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month: Know the Facts

Do you know that peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the most widespread chronic diseases and it currently afflicts almost 20 million U.S. citizens? September is PAD Awareness Month, a time to create awareness about this disease and learn the facts so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent it and/or keep it under control.

The information in this blog was published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We are sharing this fact sheet with our readers because it contains important information to help you learn more about PAD.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Fact Sheet

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the Legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. PAD can occur in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.

Prevalence of PAD (%) by Age Group (years)
The chart reflects the percentage of prevalence of PAD in men and women by age group and how it increases with age.

Risk Factors for PAD

High blood pressure

Smoking

Atherosclerosis

Diabetes

High cholesterol

Older than age 60

A normal artery is shown on the left with no blockage. The right artery shows how it's been narrowed by plaque (atherosclerosis), causing decreased blood flow, and PAD.Men and woman are equally affected by PAD; however, black race/ethnicity is associated with an increased risk of PAD. People of Hispanic origin may have similar to slightly higher rates of PAD compared to non-Hispanic whites. Approximately 8 million people in the United States have PAD, including 12-20% of individuals older than age 60. General population awareness of PAD is estimated at 25%, based on prior studies.

Other clinical conditions and disorders of arteries can mimic the symptoms of PAD, and not all PAD is due to atherosclerosis.3-4



Signs and Symptoms of PAD

The classic symptom of PAD is pain in the legs with exertion such as walking, which is relieved by resting. However, up to 40% of individuals with PAD have no leg pain. Symptoms of pain, ache, or cramp with walking (claudication) can occur in the buttock, hip, thigh, or calf.3

Physical signs in the leg that may indicate peripheral arterial disease include muscle atrophy, hair loss, smooth shiny skin, skin that is cool to the touch especially if accompanied by pain while walking (which is relieved by stopping walking), decreased or absent pulses in the feet, non-healing ulcers or sores in the legs or feet, and cold or numb toes.

Preventing PAD

• Physical activity and exercise are important for preventing PAD and for improving symptoms of PAD.
• Avoid use of tobacco—smoking increases the risk of PAD by 2-6 times and it worsens the symptoms of PAD.
• Control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Supervised exercise training programs can improve and prolong walking distance in individuals with PAD.

Diagnosis and Treatment of PAD

In patients with symptoms of PAD, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive test that measures the blood pressure in the ankles and compares it with the blood pressure in the arms at rest and after exercise. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomographic (CT) angiography can provide additional information in diagnosing PAD.2-4

Individuals with PAD are at risk for developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin or other similar anti-platelet medications may prevent the development of serious complications from PAD and associated atherosclerosis.
All efforts must be made to stop smoking.Severe cases may require surgery to bypass blocked arteries.

References
Allison MA, Ho E, Denenberg JO, et al. Ethnic-specific prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in the United States. 2007 American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2007;32:328-333.
Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, et. al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2011 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2011;123:e18-e209.
Creager MA, Loscalzo J. Vascular Diseases of the Extremities. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL, et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17e ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2008.
Rooke TW, Wennberg PW. Diagnosis and Management of Diseases of the Peripheral Arteries and Veins. In: Walsh RA, Simon DI, Hoit BD, et al., eds.: Hurst’s The Heart. 12e ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2007.
Hirsch AT, Haskal ZJ, Hertzer NR, et al. ACC/AHA 2005 Practice guidelines for the management of patients withi peripheral arterial disease (lower extremity, renal, mesenteric, and abdominal aortic): Circulation. 2006;113:e463-654.

SFVA Now Performs Minimally Invasive Balloon Kyphoplasty to Repair Spinal Fractures in Our Unique, In-office State-of-the-Art Operating Suite

If you have osteoporosis or have a history of metastatic cancer in the bones and you suddenly develop back pain or your back pain worsens, you could be experiencing a spinal fracture and should seek medical attention immediately. Very often spinal fractures go diagnosed and untreated because patients are not aware of the symptoms. Some spinal fractures can be very painful, yet others are often mild so you might not be aware that you have one.

Once you’ve had a medical consultation, diagnostic studies such as x-ray or MRI are done to determine whether your bones are weakening, osteoporosis, or if there is a tumor present in the vertebra and a fracture is seen. A minimally invasive treatment called Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty can be performed to repair the fracture by using small balloons to gently elevate the fractured vertebra, returning it back to its normal position, relieving your pain.

Until recently, Balloon Kyphoplasty was mostly performed in a hospital setting however, our board certified, interventional radiologists Dr. William Julien and Dr. Curtis Anderson now perform the procedure in our state-of-the art, in-office operating suite where they have the latest medical equipment available for optimal results. During the procedure the doctors use X-ray guidance to insert a small metal rod through a tiny opening in the skin and into the affected vertebra. Next, a small balloon is inserted through the tube and into the bone, where it is inflated to create a cavity and restore the height of the vertebra. The balloon is then removed and medical-grade bone cement is injected into the cavity in the bone to stabilize and strengthen it. Patients benefit by a shorter surgical and recovery time and return home the same day. Long-term pain relief occurs almost immediately, within hours of the procedure as well as improvement of mobility and a better quality of life.


                        The video below is an animation of a Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty
                                           procedure provided to us by Medtronic

                                      

If you have a spinal fracture as a result of osteoporosis or a metastatic bone tumor and you think you might be a candidate for Balloon Kyphoplasty speak to one of our interventional radiologists at South Florida Vascular Associates today.

David's Story: Varicoceles in Young Men

In June of 2014, 19 year old David began feeling discomfort and heaviness in his left testicle. He had no idea what was causing the discomfort and thought that resting and icing it would help but there was no relief. When he noticed that the testicle began to swell, this gave him reason for concern.

David first consulted with a urologist about his discomfort and was sent for a testicular ultrasound that confirmed he had a varicocele in his left testicle. Varicoceles are a tangled network of blood vessels or swelling of the veins on the testicles. It is similar to varicose veins in the legs but in this condition a vein called the gonadal vein has weak, defective valves, resulting in the blood pooling in varicose veins in the scrotum.

A varicocele is a relatively common condition (affecting approximately 10% of men) that tends to occur in young men, usually in their 20s or 30s, but can also develop in younger men and adolescents. In fact, varicoceles develop in 17% of boys between the ages of 13 – 25. Varicoceles are also known to cause infertility issues.

The urologist suggested David undergo a surgical treatment, varicocele surgical ligation. This procedure involves an open incision above the scrotum, general anesthesia, and 2 to 3 weeks of down time. David was willing to try anything to relieve himself even it if meant going under anesthesia, but he did some research on the internet and came across Dr. William Julien an expert endovascular surgeon at South Florida Vascular Associates who performs a procedure called varicocele embolization (VE). VE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that requires only a tiny cut in the skin, "twilight" sedation, and almost no downtime. This sounded like a much better option.

Dr. William Julien Explains Varicocele Embolization (VE)

Upon examination, Dr. Julien explained the embolization procedure in depth and also told David that the procedure only takes 30 minutes and he could go home a few hours later with only a small bandage at the puncture site. In addition, he would be able to immediately resume non-exertional activities. Of course, David opted to go with varicocele embolization.

“David had VE on June 24, 2015, and the surgery was a huge success.  “I was not in much pain after the surgery and within 10 days post-surgery, I was pain free”, said David. It took a couple of weeks before the swelling went down but for the most part he was feeling on top of the world! The embolization procedure was David’s first surgery and he was nervous but the surgery was quick and easy. David says the staff was wonderful making sure I was comfortable all the way through and Dr. Julien was awesome, he explained everything to me and eased my concerns. I was also extremely pleased with the care that I received from the time I arrived until they let me go home. David says, it’s so important to educate yourself and know your options before undergoing surgery. Until he learned of varicocele embolization he was ready to go through a painful surgery and long recovery time. I’m so happy that I pursued other options and found the right procedure for me. I feel great, says David and it was so easy!