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.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
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.
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